Primary liposarcoma of the pancreas: A review illustrated by findings from a recent case

Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma and accounts for 15%-20% of all mesenchymal malignancies. The tumor occurs most frequently in limbs and retroperitoneum, with only rare instances of visceral location reported. Pancreas is a very rare site of primary liposarcoma, with a total of seven cases reported since 1979 and only four of those in the English literature. We review the literature specific for primary liposarcoma of the pancreas and discuss radiological and pathological aspects of this rare tumor type as well as emerging options of treatment. The review is illustrated by findings of a recent case of a dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the pancreas coupled with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, including the first description of this rare tumor by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was successfully treated with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At the 5-year follow-up, the patient showed no signs of recurrence.