Large soft-tissue mass in the extremity is not necessarily a sarcoma: A case report of a giant lipoma of the thigh

Abstract

Lipoma is the most common benign adipose tissue tumor. Giant lipomas are those that measure more than 10 cm in length or more than 1000 g in weight. There is a possibility of sarcomatous change in them but it is not always the rule. Lipoma and liposarcoma can be differentiated on the magnetic resonance imaging features of tumor size, stranding, nodularity, T2 signal, and contrast enhancement. The existence of thin septa helps identify lipomas and distinguishes them from well-differentiated liposarcomas, which have thick and irregular septa and fat necrosis at times. The open surgical approach is the best for the complete excision of giant lipomas without any recurrence.