Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the pyriform sinus: report of a case and review of the literature

A Rare Case of Low-Grade Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Presenting as a Pharyngeal Polyp: Avoiding a Pitfall With Significant Repercussions

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is a nonlipogenic sarcoma of variable histological grade that frequently arises in association with a well-differentiated liposarcoma. Dedifferentiation occurs in approximately 10% of well-differentiated liposarcomas and is most commonly encountered in the retroperitoneum. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the upper respiratory tract is an extremely rare occurrence. Herein, we report a very rare case of low-grade dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the pharynx that presented as a polyp mimicking a benign process clinically and microscopically. We discuss the relevant molecular findings and review the current literature.

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the oral floor: A case study and literature review of 50 cases of head and neck neoplasm

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) has a relatively poor prognosis, however this neoplasm rarely occurs in the head and neck. To date, no definite protocol has been established for the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck DDLS. The present study reports the case of a 69-year-old male patient with DDLS of the oral floor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of oral floor DDLS. In addition, this is the first reported case with the development of a second primary malignancy following the treatment of head and neck DDLS. A literature review of 50 cases of head and neck DDLS revealed that preoperative biopsy is not reliable for the diagnosis of these tumors and an accurate pathological diagnosis with total resection is preferred.

Rare Giant Pedunculated Liposarcoma of the Hypopharynx: Case Report and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION

Liposarcoma is considered the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. It represents approximately 20 % of all mesenchymal malignancies, and most frequently it involves the retroperitoneum, trunk, and extremities. Hypopharyngeal localization of liposarcoma is extremely rare.

METHODS

We report a new rare case of giant pedunculated liposarcoma arising from the left antero-lateral wall of the hypopharyngeal-esophageal junction, and we present a complete review of the literature.

RESULTS

An 81-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of dysphagia and 30-kg weight loss, due to a giant pedunculated liposarcoma of the hypopharynx, which is resected with cervical approach. CT scan imaging revealed a 25-cm-long pedunculated heterogeneous mass with fat-like density originating from the anterior wall of hypopharyngeal-esophageal junction protruding into the lumen. The polypoid mass was identified as well as the stalk, and it was completely delivered through the cervical incision. Histopatological examination showed a dedifferentiated liposarcoma, without positive or close margins. No further chemoradiation therapy was performed due to the patient's age, comorbidities, negative margins, and absence of distant metastases. Dysphagia solved 1 month after surgery. No evidence of tumor recurrence was seen in the 12 months following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

When base of the tumor is located in hypopharynx or cervical portion of the esophagus, and tumor is not aggressive, cervical approach is better, irrespective of the tumor size, except for cases in which an endoscopic approach is feasible.

Liposarcoma of Hypopharynx and Esophagus: a Unique Entity?

PURPOSE

Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. It represents approximately 20 % of all mesenchymal malignancies. It most frequently involves retroperitoneum, trunk, and extremities. Hypopharyngeal and esophageal localization of liposarcoma is extremely rare.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of literature and reported 26 and 33 cases of hypopharyngeal and esophageal liposarcoma. We analyzed natural history, imaging features, histology, treatment, and prognosis, with a specific focus to similarities and differences between tumors of hypopharynx and esophagus.

RESULTS

Hypopharyngeal and esophageal liposarcomas have more similarities than differences. Incidence has a peak at 6th and 7th decades. The diagnostic procedures are barium swallow, endoscopic examination, and CT/MR imaging. Well-differentiated liposarcoma represents the most frequent histological subtype. Surgical excision is the main treatment. Endoscopic resection can be useful for pedunculated tumors of hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Differences between hypopharyngeal and esophageal liposarcoma are represented by local recurrence rate (greater for hypopharyngeal tumors), number of giant tumors, and time to recurrence (greater for esophageal tumors). Finally, liposarcomas of distal esophagus need more extended approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Liposarcomas of hypopharynx and cervical esophagus could be considered a unique pathological entity, with similar features and treatment options. Survival rate is dependent on histological type and location. Local recurrence is common, especially for hypopharyngeal liposarcoma, while the risk of lymph node or distant metastasis is very low. Patients should undergo regular examinations to rule out local recurrence, also for a long time, especially for esophageal tumors.

Bulky cervical liposarcoma associated with sleep apnea syndrome

Sarcomas of the head and neck are relatively infrequent tumors. Liposarcomas represent 10-16% of all soft tissue sarcomas and <5% of them arise from the head and neck. The retropharyngeal area is rarely involved. We present the case of a middle-aged male with clinical symptoms of sleep apnea. A fiber-optic examination revealed a soft submucosal lesion compressing the posterior pharyngeal wall, with partial obstruction of the airway tract. CT showed a large heterogeneous prevertebral mass (6 x 20 cm(2)) occupying the posterior mediastinum. A transoral submucosal biopsy was performed. Histological findings were compatible with a low-grade liposarcoma. The mass was removed in monoblock using a classical laterocervical neck incision. The surgical specimen weighed 500 g. After 24 months of follow-up no signs of tumor recurrence or sleep apnea syndrome were noted.

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the oral cavity with angiosarcomatous dedifferentiation

We report a unique case of a 42-year-old woman with a dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the soft tissue of the oral cavity with angiosarcomatous dedifferentiation. Liposarcomas compromising the head and neck region are very unusual, and most of the cases in oral cavity show a well-differentiated pattern. Dedifferentiation in liposarcomas occurs in about 10% of the cases and, when it occurs, the dedifferentiated areas usually resemble high-grade fibrosarcoma or pleomorphic sarcoma. Divergent differentiation might also occur. To the best of our knowledge, there are only nine cases of dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the oral cavity, none of which show an angiosarcomatous dedifferentiation.

Mixed myxoid/round cell liposarcoma of the scalp

Liposarcoma of the head and neck is rare. Only 12 cases of scalp liposarcoma have been previously reported. In this report, we describe a case of myxoid/round cell liposarcoma in the scalp of a 28-year-old woman. This case report highlights a histologic pattern rarely reported in the head and neck but consistent with the evolving classification of liposarcomas.