A unique dedifferentiated tumor of the retroperitoneum.
BACKGROUND
Dedifferentiated liposarcomas represent heterogeneous tumors with lipomatous and nonlipomatous elements starkly juxtaposed. It is thought that the high grade nonlipomatous elements of the tumor portend a worse prognosis.


METHODS
A 19.8 kg heterogeneous retroperitoneal tumor was successfully and completely resected. Because of its extent, no additional treatment modalities were practicable. The tumor soon recurred. The recurrent tumor differed from the primary tumor in that it was more homogeneous, consisting mainly of nonlipogenic, calcific tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Dedifferentiated liposarcomas are known to have a very high recurrence rate. The biological behavior of dedifferentiated liposarcomas is likely dictated by the most aggressive element of these heterogeneous tumors.
Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. karmalis@ucalgary.ca
Shahzeer
S
Karmali
Halligrimur
H
Benediktson
Walley
W
Temple
Oliver F
OF
Bathe