Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used in liposarcoma diagnosis include:

• Imaging tests. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to determine the size and extent of your liposarcoma. Tests may include X-ray, CT scan and MRI.
• Removing a sample of tissue for testing. During a biopsy procedure, your doctor removes a small sample of tissue to test for cancer cells. Your tumor's location determines how the tissue sample is removed.
• Using advanced lab tests to determine the kinds of cells involved in the cancer. Doctors who specialize in analyzing blood and body tissue (pathologists) will study your biopsy samples using specialized laboratory tests, such as immunohistochemistry, cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization and molecular genetic testing. These tests provide information about your liposarcoma that helps your doctor determine your prognosis and your treatment options.