The primary mediastinal liposarcoma with effusion.

Abstract

Primary liposarcoma of the mediastinum is a very rare and relatively slow growing tumor. Since the original description by Pallase and Roubier in 1916, there have been about 55 reported cases in world literature until 1985. Recently, we experienced one case of a primary mediastinal liposarcoma with malignant effusion. A 51-year-old man complained of dyspnea and chest discomfort. The chest plain films and computerized tomogram showed a huge mass of the posterior mediastinal space. The needle aspiration biopsy was done in the huge mass and the histologic examination revealed mediastinal round-cell type liposarcoma. Patient refused surgery or chemotherapy after establishing the diagnosis. About 6 months later, the metastatic pleural effusion was noted. After discharge, he was lost to follow up since then. The clinical and therapeutic features of the previously reported cases of primary liposarcoma arising in the mediastinum have been reviewed. Surgery may served to establish a tissue diagnosis, to relieved the patient's symptoms and result occasionally in a cure but radiotherapy or chemotherapy is ineffctive.