Myxoid Liposarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Myxoid Liposarcoma?
A surgical oncologist (a cancer surgeon) or a medical oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with drugs) usually treats myxoid liposarcoma. The National Cancer Institute says to see an expert in liposarcoma treatment. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is myxoid liposarcoma?
The National Cancer Institute calls it myxoid/round cell liposarcoma, or MRCLS. Liposarcoma is a rare cancer that grows in the cells that store fat in the body.
MRCLS usually grows in the arms and legs. These tumors grow slowly, and they can spread to other parts of the body.
About 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with liposarcoma each year. MRCLS makes up about 30% of all liposarcoma cases.
Symptoms
Many people do not have symptoms when the cancer first starts. Later, when the tumor gets larger, symptoms can include the following.
- A visible lump under the skin.
- Pain.
- Tiredness.
- Nausea.
- Weight loss that you did not plan.
For soft tissue sarcomas in general, most people notice a lump that has grown over a few weeks or months. The lump may or may not hurt.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not yet know what causes MRCLS to form. But in most cases, a chromosome breaks apart and gets put back together in the wrong way. A chromosome is a structure in your cells that holds your genes.
In MRCLS, a gene called FUS joins with a gene called CHOP. This happens in almost all cases.
MRCLS is not known to run in families. Genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis may increase your risk of getting liposarcoma.
It is more common in people aged 20 to 40 years old. It is rarely seen in children under 10 years old.
How doctors diagnose it
If you have symptoms, your doctor will use imaging scans such as CT and MRI. These scans show where the tumor is and how big it is. Doctors also check for signs that the tumor has spread.
A biopsy is needed to check if the tumor is MRCLS. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample from the tumor with a needle. A pathologist, an expert who studies tissue, looks at the cells under the microscope.
Treatment
Treatment for each patient will be unique. Treatment options to discuss with your doctor include these.
- Surgery is often used to remove the main tumor while trying to avoid removing any healthy tissue.
- Radiation therapy can be used around the time of surgery. It can shrink the tumor so it can be removed by surgery. It can also be used after surgery if there is concern that tumor cells remain.
- Chemotherapy can be used for cases that are difficult to treat by surgery or when the cancer has spread.
Your surgeon and other doctors should be experienced in treating sarcomas. If cancer cells are found at the edges of the removed tissue, some cancer may have been left behind.
Follow-up care is necessary to make sure the tumor does not grow back or spread to other parts of the body.
Some herbs, diets, acupuncture or massage might help with symptoms. But many are not proven to work and could even be harmful. Talk with your care team first to make sure they are safe.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor right away if you have a new lump or a lump that is growing anywhere on your body. See a doctor right away if you have blood in your stool or black, tarry stools.
These problems are more often caused by things other than soft tissue sarcomas, but they still need to be checked.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or severe belly pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine a new lump, review your symptoms and refer you to a sarcoma specialist. They can also help coordinate your care and keep up with follow-up visits.
Common questions
Is myxoid liposarcoma cancer?
Yes, myxoid liposarcoma is a cancer. It grows in the cells that store fat in the body.
Does myxoid liposarcoma run in families?
No, MRCLS is not known to run in families. Genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis may raise the risk of liposarcoma.
Can myxoid liposarcoma spread?
Yes, it can. These tumors grow slowly, and they can spread to other parts of the body.
How is myxoid liposarcoma treated?
Treatment is different for each person. Surgery is often used to remove the main tumor. Radiation therapy can be used around the time of surgery. Chemotherapy can be used when the cancer has spread.
What is the survival rate for myxoid liposarcoma?
For small tumors that have not spread, the 5-year survival rate is over 80%. Prognosis tends to be poor when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Myxoid/Round Cell Liposarcoma
- American Cancer Society - Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- American Cancer Society - Treating Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
