Unusual extension of a left-sided retroperitoneal lipoma into the thigh: A case report.

RATIONALE: Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumors often diagnosed late due to asymptomatic growth. While they typically extend into adjacent retroperitoneal structures, invasion into the thigh is exceedingly rare, posing unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 45-year-old South Asian female presented with a progressively enlarging swelling in the left upper thigh, extending into the left inguinal and flank regions, accompanied by intermittent pain.

DIAGNOSES: Imaging revealed a large, lobulated, fat-attenuating mass measuring 11 × 9 cm in the axial plane with a craniocaudal extent of 30.7 cm, spanning from the retroperitoneum to the thigh. Histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated liposarcoma.

INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgical resection via a combined laparotomy and thigh incision, achieving complete excision with negative margins.

OUTCOMES: Postoperative recovery was uneventful. At 6-month follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence or functional limitation reported.

LESSONS: This case highlights the importance of comprehensive imaging and meticulous surgical planning in managing atypical tumor extensions such as retroperitoneal liposarcomas invasion into the thigh. Given the rarity of this presentation, it contributes valuable insights into clinical and surgical management strategies for similar cases.