Your new experience awaits. Try the new design now and help us make it even better

CASE REPORT article

Front. Surg., 18 December 2025

Sec. Surgical Oncology

Volume 12 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1728768

This article is part of the Research TopicInnovations in Managing Retroperitoneal Tumors: Strategies from Surgery to Systemic TherapyView all 3 articles

Retroperitoneal multiple giant liposarcoma: a case report


Jiaxin Hou
Jiaxin Hou*Qingqiang Yang

Qingqiang Yang*
  • Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China

The retroperitoneal anatomical space is located below the diaphragm and above the pelvic diaphragm, in the potential space between the posterior parietal peritoneum and the abdominal transverse fascia. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a common tumor in this region of the body. It typically presents no obvious clinical symptoms in the early stage due to the capaciousness of the area. Usually, however, an increase in tumor volume causes compression of the surrounding tissues and organs, such as intestinal obstruction and urinary obstruction, which leads to prominent symptoms. Primary giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare clinical entity. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals only a limited number of documented cases, with heterogeneity in their presentation, management, and outcomes. This report presents a case of multiple giant retroperitoneal liposarcomas successfully managed with multivisceral resection achieving R0 status. This case highlights the surgical challenges and feasibility of complete resection even in massive and multifocal tumors.

Introduction

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) is the most common primary malignancy of the retroperitoneal space, characterized by a high rate of local recurrence and a propensity for significant growth before clinical detection (1). Achieving a complete (R0) surgical resection is the cornerstone of curative therapy and is the most significant predictor of long-term survival (2). However, because of the anatomical complexity of the retroperitoneum and the frequent involvement of adjacent organs, obtaining negative margins often necessitates complex multivisceral resections (3). The surgical management of giant (variably defined as >20–30 cm) and multifocal RPLS presents a formidable challenge to even experienced surgical oncologists. Although R0 resection rates for RPLS have been documented in the literature, detailed reports on the successful en bloc resection of multiple (4) giant synchronous tumors are scarce. Publishing such cases is critical for several reasons. First, this study contributes to medical knowledge by providing a real-world template for surgical strategy, operative planning, and perioperative management for exceptionally complex cases. Second, it has a direct impact on patient care by demonstrating that curative-intent surgery is feasible in scenarios that might otherwise be deemed inoperable, thereby setting a benchmark for outcomes and inspiring similar efforts in well-selected patients. Finally, this case holds relevance for current clinical practice, where multidisciplinary team (MDT) approaches are increasingly emphasized. It serves as a valuable reference for discussions within MDTs regarding the extent of safe resection, the balance between radicality and morbidity, and the importance of centralized care for rare and complex sarcomas.

Case introduction

As summarized in Table 1, this report presents a case of multiple giant retroperitoneal liposarcomas successfully managed with multivisceral resection achieving R0 status. A 57-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for abdominal distension over a course of 2 months, mainly manifesting as abdominal distension and discomfort with changes in defecation habits. She had no obvious abdominal pain, nausea, dyspnea, or other symptoms. Her past medical history was unremarkable. On physical examination, there was full abdominal swelling. There was a diffuse tangible mass, with an unclear boundary. Relevant auxiliary examinations were improved. Abdominal enhanced CTA revealed a large mixed-density shadow in the abdominal cavity, the boundary of which was unclear, of approximately 28.9 cm × 17.0 cm × 29.6 cm, (Figure 1), with visible solid and fat components. The adjacent intestine, pancreas, blood vessels, uterus, and bladder were pushed, displaced, and deformed. The abdominal tumor was sizable, compressing the surrounding tissues and organs. In view of the large tumor and the unclear boundary with the surrounding tissues, a dedicated MDT meeting was convened prior to surgery to review this complex case. The panel included surgical oncologists specializing in soft-tissue sarcoma, a radiologist with expertise in abdominal imaging, a pathologist, and a medical oncologist. The discussion centered on the feasibility of achieving a complete (R0) resection given the massive size and multifocal nature of the tumor. Based on preoperative imaging, the team unanimously agreed on a diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma. After careful consideration of the risks and benefits, the team reached a consensus that proceeding with an en bloc multivisceral resection with curative intent was the most appropriate management strategy. The surgical plan, including the potential need for resection of the adjacent organs (e.g., intestine), was outlined and approved by the MDT. The patient underwent gastrointestinal surgery following consent from her family. During the operation, the abdominal cavity was opened and multiple tumors were identified. Multiple tumors were observed in the greater omentum. The largest tumor was approximately 40 cm × 20 cm, and consisted of soft, yellow, fat-like tissue. A smaller hard tumor of approximately 8 cm × 6 cm was also observed. Multiple giant retroperitoneal tumors were located behind the mesocolon, up to the upper border of the pancreas, down to the lower part of the sacrum, and on both sides on the outside of the psoas major. Each solitary tumor was surrounded by fibrous hard tissue, with the tumor tissue being adipose. Moreover, the left reproductive blood vessel passed through the left retroperitoneal lipoma. The right hemicolon and small intestine were displaced to the left upper abdomen. Multiple yellow, soft, fat-like tumor tissues were observed in the ascending mesocolon, with the largest measuring approximately 10 cm × 5 cm. Moreover, a yellow, soft, fat-like tumor tissue measuring about 20 m × 1.5 cm was seen in the small intestine, located approximately 160 cm from the ileocecal valve. The operation was successfully completed, and multiple tumors were completely removed from the abdominal cavity (Figure 2). Postoperatively, the patient received standard care, including electrocardiographic monitoring, supplemental oxygen, and fluid resuscitation. Her recovery course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen was performed. According to the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of soft tissue tumors (5), the final diagnosis was confirmed as well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) (Figure 3). TNMG staging was stage III (T4N0M0 and G1). The capsules of multiple tumors were intact, with no positive margin. R0 resection was confirmed. Immunohistochemical analysis provided the following results: CK (−), Vim (+), MDM2 (+), CDK4 (+), RB1 (deletion), P16 (+), S100 (−), C034 (−), P53 (wild type), and Ki67 (+, 10%). At 6 months postoperatively, the patient underwent reexamination with an abdominal CT scan and necessary laboratory tests.

Table 1
www.frontiersin.org

Table 1. Literature review of reported cases of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

Figure 1
CT scans of the abdomen and lower spine. The left image is a cross-sectional view showing organs and vertebrae, while the right image is a sagittal view highlighting spinal alignment and surrounding tissues.

Figure 1. Contrast-enhanced CT.

Figure 2
Medical image showing excised tissues from a surgical procedure. Panel A displays two metal trays filled with various sized, red and pink tissue masses. Panel B features another array of excised tissue pieces, with a ruler for scale, placed on a surgical drape.

Figure 2. (A,B) Tumor pattern after complete resection.

Figure 3
Histological examination showing four panels. Panel A and B display hematoxylin and eosin stained tissue at 100x magnification with a fibrous pattern. Panel C, labeled CDK4, shows light staining, while Panel D, labeled MDM2, shows darker staining, indicating varying expressions.

Figure 3. (A,B) Postoperative pathological examination and (C,D) related immunohistochemical examination.

Discussion

RPLS is the most common primary malignancy of the retroperitoneal space, accounting for approximately 45% of such tumors (6). Owing to its deep and concealed anatomical location, RPLS often attains a considerable size before clinical detection, typically presenting with symptoms caused by the compression of adjacent tissues and organs (7). Complete surgical resection remains the cornerstone of curative treatment. Achieving an R0 resection during the primary surgery represents the most critical opportunity for a potential cure and is the most significant prognostic factor that can be influenced by surgical intervention (8). Preoperative evaluation is crucial; however, the frequent involvement of surrounding structures by these massive tumors often necessitates complex multivisceral resections, with surgical difficulty and risk escalating proportionally with increasing tumor size (9).

In the present case, an R0 resection was successfully achieved without administering preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This decision was reached through multidisciplinary discussion and reflects the current nuanced evidence. While some studies, such as the recent report by Baudo et al. (10), suggest potential survival benefits for perioperative radiotherapy in non-metastatic RPS, aligning with trends in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (11), its absolute benefit—particularly for the WDLPS subtype present in our patient—remains a subject of ongoing debate, as highlighted by the STRASS trial (12). Given the massive size and complex anatomy, preoperative radiotherapy posed potential risks of delaying surgery and increasing technical complications. Furthermore, the well-differentiated histology is widely recognized to be largely insensitive to conventional chemotherapy (13). Therefore, our strategy prioritized maximizing the success of the initial surgical resection. The patient's disease-free status at 12 months following surgery is encouraging. In comparison with other studies, patients with WDLPS who undergo R0 resection typically demonstrate a favorable prognosis, with median disease-free survival (DFS) extending over several years and favorable 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (12). These findings underscore the paramount importance of achieving a radical resection. From this case, we reaffirm that high-quality preoperative imaging and early involvement of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) are indispensable for planning complex, curative-intent surgery. The preoperative MDT consensus on the need for en bloc resection was instrumental in achieving this favorable outcome (52). However, we must acknowledge the limitations inherent in this report. First, this is a single case report, which is descriptive in nature and therefore cannot establish causality or provide generalizable results. Second, the follow-up duration remains relatively short, limiting our ability to assess long-term OS and DFS. Therefore, continued close surveillance is essential. Moreover, the immunohistochemical findings in our case, confirming the diagnosis of WDLPS, also provided insight into the molecular underpinnings of this disease. Well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas are characterized by supernumerary ring and giant marker chromosomes containing amplified sequences of the *12q13-15* region, which harbors key oncogenes such as CDK4 and MDM2 (14). This distinct molecular signature provides a compelling rationale for exploring targeted therapies, which aim to overcome the limitations of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For instance, CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors (e.g., palbociclib) and MDM2 antagonists are under active investigation in clinical trials for advanced liposarcoma (15). Although our patient does not currently require adjuvant therapy, the identification of these molecular targets provides a valuable strategic option in the event of future recurrence, when surgical reresection may not be feasible. Therefore, alongside surgical innovation, the integration of molecular profiling into the diagnostic workup of RPLS is becoming increasingly critical for personalizing treatment and improving long-term outcomes.

Even after complete resection, patients with RPLS remain at high risk of local recurrence, for which early surgical intervention is the primary treatment (16). However, reoperation is associated with significantly increased complexity and risk compared to the initial operation (17), further highlighting the critical window of opportunity provided by the first surgery. Future prospective studies and longer-term data are needed to refine multimodal management strategies for these challenging tumors.

Conclusion

Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare tumor disease. At present, preoperative diagnosis primarily depends on CT and MRI. However, it is through the postoperative pathological results that the disease is definitively diagnosed (6). Although the current treatment method is R0 surgical resection, such conditions are often discovered at an advanced stage, presenting with large tumors and invasion of surrounding tissues and organs, making surgery challenging. Multidisciplinary teamwork is therefore frequently required to achieve successful results (17).

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.

Author contributions

JH: Writing – original draft. QY: Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Any alternative text (alt text) provided alongside figures in this article has been generated by Frontiers with the support of artificial intelligence and reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, including review by the authors wherever possible. If you identify any issues, please contact us.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

References

1. Leão P, Vilaça S, Oliveira M, Falcão J. Giant recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma initially presenting as inguinal hernia: review of literature. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2012) 3(3):103–6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2011.03.009

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

2. Zhang WD, Liu DR, Que RS, Zhou CB, Zhan CN, Zhao JG, et al. Management of retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a case report and review of the literature. Oncol Lett. (2015) 10(1):405–9. doi: 10.3892/ol.2015.3193

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

3. Sun JN, Yang R, Jiang XL, Zhang F, Zhao HW. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma with multiple organ involvement: a case report and literature review. BMC Nephrol. (2024) 25(1):281. doi: 10.1186/s12882-024-03701-z

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

4. Bao Z, Jia N, Zhang Z, Ding P, Zhao Q, Zhao X, et al. A case report of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Medicine (Baltimore). (2025) 104(12):e41923. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041923

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

5. Gogolev AB, Urezkova MM, Kudaibergenova AG. Izmeneniya v klassifikatsii VOZ (2020g.) opukholei myagkikh tkanei [Changes in the WHO classification (2020) of soft tissue tumors]. Arkh Patol. (2023) 85(1):43–50. doi: 10.17116/patol20238501143

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

6. Hueman MT, Herman JM, Ahuja N. Management of retroperitoneal sarcomas. Surg Clin North Am. (2008) 88(3):583–7. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2008.03.002

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

7. Storm FK, Mahvi DM. Diagnosis and management of retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma. Ann Surg. (1991) 214(1):2–10. doi: 10.1097/00000658-199107000-00002

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

8. Serio G, Tenchini P, Nifosi F, Iacono C. Surgical strategy in primary retroperitoneal tumours. Br J Surg. (1989) 76(4):385–9. doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800760423

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

9. Yang J, Zhao Y, Zheng CH, Wang Q, Pang XY, Wang T, et al. Huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma with renal involvement requires nephrectomy: a case report and literature review. Mol Clin Oncol. (2016) 5(5):607–9. doi: 10.3892/mco.2016.1017

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

10. Baudo A, de Angelis M, Siech C, Jannello LMI, Bello D, Goyal F, et al. Perioperative radiotherapy and survival after surgical treatment of nonmetastatic retroperitoneal sarcoma. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. (2025) 23(10):e257056. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2025.7056

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

11. von Mehren M, Randall RL, Benjamin RS, Boles S, Bui MM, Conrad EU 3rd, et al. Soft tissue sarcoma, version 2.2016, NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. (2016) 14(6):758–86. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2016.0078

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

12. Bonvalot S, Gronchi A, Le Péchoux C, Swallow CJ, Strauss D, Meeus P, et al. Preoperative radiotherapy plus surgery versus surgery alone for patients with primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (EORTC-62092: STRASS): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. (2020) 21(10):1366–77. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30446-0

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

13. Pasquali S, Gronchi A. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in soft tissue sarcomas: latest evidence and clinical implications. Ther Adv Med Oncol. (2017) 9(6):415–29. doi: 10.1177/1758834017705588

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

14. Lee ATJ, Thway K, Huang PH, Jones RL. Clinical and molecular spectrum of liposarcoma. J Clin Oncol. (2018) 36(2):151–9. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2017.74.9598

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

15. Vanni S, Miserocchi G, Gallo G, Fausti V, Gabellone S, Liverani C, et al. Role of CDK4 as prognostic biomarker in soft tissue sarcoma and synergistic effect of its inhibition in dedifferentiated liposarcoma sequential treatment. Exp Hematol Oncol. (2024) 13(1):74. doi: 10.1186/s40164-024-00540-4

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

16. Zou B, Wang X, Ma J, Yue F, Chen K, Luan D, et al. A surgical approach to liposarcoma with retroperitoneal location: a case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore). (2025) 104(17):e42070. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000042070

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

17. van Dalen T, Hoekstra HJ, van Geel AN, van Coevorden F, Albus-Lutter C, Slootweg PJ, et al. Locoregional recurrence of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma: second chance of cure for selected patients. Eur J Surg Oncol. (2001) 27(6):564–8. doi: 10.1053/ejso.2001.1166

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

18. Yol S, Tavli S, Tavli L, Belviranli M, Yosunkaya A. Retroperitoneal and scrotal giant liposarcoma: report of a case. Surg Today. (1998) 28(3):339–42. doi: 10.1007/s005950050136

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

19. McCallum OJ, Burke JJ 2nd, Childs AJ, Ferro A, Gallup DG. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma weighing over one hundred pounds with review of the literature. Gynecol Oncol. (2006) 103(3):1152–4. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2006.08.005

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

20. Clar H, Leithner A, Gruber G, Werkgartner G, Beham A, Windhager R. Interdisciplinary resection of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma of 25 kg. ANZ J Surg. (2009) 79(12):957. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.05160.x

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

21. Hashimoto Y, Hatakeyama S, Tachiwada T, Yoneyama T, Koie T, Kamimura N, et al. Surgical treatment of a giant liposarcoma in a Japanese man. Adv Urol. (2010) 2010:943073. doi: 10.1155/2010/943073

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

22. Bansal VK, Misra MC, Sharma A, Chabbra A, Murmu LR. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma—renal salvage by autotransplantation. Indian J Surg. (2013) 75(2):159–61. doi: 10.1007/s12262-012-0474-z

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

23. De Nardi P, Bissolati M, Cristallo M, Staudacher C. Recurrent giant liposarcoma of the spermatic cord. Urology. (2012) 79(1):113–4. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2011.02.004

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

24. Sharma M, Mannan R, Bhasin TS, Manjari M, Punj R. Giant inflammatory variant of well differentiated liposarcoma: a case report of a rare entity. J Clin Diagn Res. (2013) 7(8):1720–1. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5998.3267

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

25. Caizzone A, Saladino E, Fleres F, Paviglianiti C, Iaropoli F, Mazzeo C, et al. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: case report and review of the literature. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2015) 9:23–6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2015.02.019

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

26. Hazen B, Cocieru A. Giant retroperitoneal sarcoma. J Gastrointest Surg. (2017) 21(3):602–3. doi: 10.1007/s11605-016-3258-0

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

27. Oh SD, Oh SJ, Suh BJ, Shin JY, Oh CK, Park JK, et al. A giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma encasing the entire left kidney and adherent to adjacent structures: a case report. Case Rep Oncol. (2016) 9(2):368–72. doi: 10.1159/000447488

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

28. Zeng X, Liu W, Wu X, Gao J, Zhang P, Shuai X, et al. Clinicopathological characteristics and experience in the treatment of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a case report and review of the literature. Cancer Biol Ther. (2017) 18(9):660–5. doi: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1345388

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

29. Herzberg J, Niehaus K, Holl-Ulrich K, Honarpisheh H, Guraya SY, Strate T. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a case report and literature review. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. (2019) 14(5):466–71. doi: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2019.08.005

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

30. Xu C, Ma Z, Zhang H, Yu J, Chen S. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma with a maximum diameter of 37 cm: a case report and review of literature. Ann Transl Med. (2020) 8(19):1248. doi: 10.21037/atm-20-1714

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

31. Spicer JL. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma: an unusual presentation of a rare cancer. J Adv Pract Oncol. (2021) 12(8):854–62. doi: 10.6004/jadpro.2021.12.8.6

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

32. Herrera-Almario G, Cabrera LF, Londoño-Schimmer EE, Pedraza M. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma surgical management. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. (2022) 104(2):e54–6. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0101

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

33. Suryabanshi A, Timilsina B, Khadka N, Rijal A, Bhandari RS. Huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma encasing right kidney: a case report from Nepal. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2022) 99:107647. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107647

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

34. Ye MS, Wu HK, Qin XZ, Luo F, Li Z. Hyper-accuracy three-dimensional reconstruction as a tool for better planning of retroperitoneal liposarcoma resection: a case report. World J Clin Cases. (2022) 10(1):268–74. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i1.268

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

35. Xia H, Fang F, Yuan H, Tu Y. Survival of a patient with multiple-recurrent giant retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma for 15 years: a case report. Front Surg. (2022) 9:916802. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.916802

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

36. Liu T, Zhang J, Xu Z, Zhou H. Abdominal viscera and gone? A rare case of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Asian J Surg. (2022) 45(12):2963–4. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.06.124

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

37. Mansour S, Azzam N, Kluger Y, Khuri S. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma: the giant type. J Med Cases. (2022) 13(10):517–20. doi: 10.14740/jmc4014

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

38. Lieto E, Cardella F, Erario S, Del Sorbo G, Reginelli A, Galizia G, et al. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma treated with radical conservative surgery: a case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases. (2022) 10(19):6636–46. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6636

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

39. Trajkovski G, Antovic S, Kostovski O, Trajkovska V, Nikolovski A. Giant retroperitoneal low grade liposarcoma with left kidney displacement: a case report. Radiol Case Rep. (2022) 17(11):4091–5. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.07.107

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

40. Evola G, Schillaci R, Reina M, Caruso G, D'Angelo M, Reina GA. Giant retroperitoneal well-differentiated liposarcoma presenting in emergency with intestinal occlusion: case report and review of the literature. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2022) 95:107152. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107152

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

41. Wei X, Qin Y, Ouyang S, Qian J, Tu S, Yao J. Challenging surgical treatment of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a case report. Oncol Lett. (2022) 24(3):314. doi: 10.3892/ol.2022.13434

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

42. Rachman Y, Hardja Y. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2022) 97:107465. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107465

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

43. Tani A, Tarumi Y, Kakibuchi A, Aoyama K, Kokabu T, Kataoka H, et al. Giant retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma mimicking ovarian cancer: a case report. Gynecol Oncol Rep. (2022) 44:101088. doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2022.101088

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

44. Chen BH, Tseng JS, Chiu AW. Increasing body weight of 20 kg in 3 months caused by a huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Asian J Surg. (2022) 45(11):2490–1. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.05.115

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

45. Luke ND, Gart A, Mohammad R, Raza A. Liposarcoma: a ‘beer belly’ in disguise. Cureus. (2022) 14(8):e28067. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28067

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

46. Cheng SH, Huang YS, Lee HH, Yen HH, Jhong YP, Chao TY. Case report and literature review: conversion surgery for initially unresectable huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma after preoperative radiotherapy. Front Oncol. (2023) 12:1096411. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1096411

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

47. Habonimana P, Niyonkuru E, Nisabwe S, Mazti A, Moataz A, Dakir M, et al. A large dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma extended to the testis: a rare case report. J Surg Case Rep. (2023) 2023(5):rjad162. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjad162

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

48. Gutu C, Butnari V, Schiopu V. Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma measuring 27×29×36 cm: a case report. J Surg Case Rep. (2023) 2023(1):rjac608. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjac608

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

49. Tripathi M, Pavithira GJ, Dubey S, Verma R, Garg V. Surgical excision of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma with renal cell carcinoma: a case report of the largest retroperitoneal sarcoma. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2023) 109:108515. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108515

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

50. Díaz de León-Romero CE, Jiménez-Yarza M, Pérez-Tristán CE, Jiménez-Yarza LE, Valdes-Ramos RL, Ortiz-Cisneros JD. Giant myxoid retroperitoneal liposarcoma in a 41-year-old patient: a case report. Int J Surg Case Rep. (2023) 109:108572. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108572

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

51. Yingzheng R, Junjie A, Guifei W, Yang Y, Long D, Linlin J, et al. Case report: a 55 kg retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Front Oncol. (2025) 15:1621829. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1621829

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

52. Bonvalot S, Miceli R, Berselli M, Causeret S, Colombo C, Mariani L, et al. Aggressive surgery in retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma carried out at high-volume centers is safe and is associated with improved local control. Ann Surg Oncol. (2010) 17(6):1507–14. doi: 10.1245/s10434-010-1057-5

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: retroperitoneal liposarcoma, huge volume, diagnosis, R0 resection, case report

Citation: Hou J and Yang Q (2025) Retroperitoneal multiple giant liposarcoma: a case report. Front. Surg. 12:1728768. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1728768

Received: 22 October 2025; Revised: 16 November 2025;
Accepted: 24 November 2025;
Published: 18 December 2025.

Edited by:

Lantian Tian, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China

Reviewed by:

Hao Xia, Yangzhou University, China
Zhongkui Xiong, Shaoxing Second Hospital, China

Copyright: © 2025 Hou and Yang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Jiaxin Hou, MTgyODA1NTQzNjJAMTYzLmNvbQ==; Qingqiang Yang, eWFuZ3FpbmdxaWFuZzEyMUAxNjMuY29t

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.