Biology and Management of Deep-seated Atypical Lipomatous Tumor of the Extremities

Abstract

Adipocytic neoplasms are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) is a locally aggressive but non-metastasizing adipocytic neoplasm that primarily occurs in the proximal extremities of middle-aged to older adults. Histologically, ALT is divided into adipocytic (lipoma-like), sclerosing and inflammatory subtypes. The sclerosing subtype is an unfavorable prognostic factor for local recurrence. ALT is characterized by supernumerary ring and/or giant rod chromosomes. These rings and giant markers invariably contain amplified sequences originating from the long arm of chromosome 12, including the MDM2 proto-oncogene (MDM2) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) gene. MDM2 and/or CDK4 nuclear immunopositivity is present in most cases. Confidently differentiating deep-seated ALT from deep-seated ordinary lipoma is often difficult on imaging. Moreover, the sclerosing subtype may mimic a higher grade liposarcoma. Detection of MDM2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization would be helpful diagnostically for ALT in more difficult cases. The standard treatment for deep-seated ALT is surgery. Although there is no consensus on the best surgical approach for deep-seated ALT of the extremities, the use of marginal resection is acceptable to preserve musculoskeletal function. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the clinical and imaging characteristics, pathogenesis, histopathology, and management of deep-seated ALT of the extremities.

Keywords: Atypical lipomatous tumor; MDM2; dedifferentiation; ordinary lipoma; review; ring chromosome; treatment; well-differentiated liposarcoma.