A rare primary tumor of the mediastinum: pleomorphic liposarcoma

Liposarcoma of the mediastinum is a rare tumor with various histologic features. We report a case of mediatinal pleomorphic liposarcoma in a 37-year-old man who complained of chest pain. Computed tomography showed an anterior expansive process within the mediastinum. Histological diagnosis was established by a trans-thoracic computed tomography guided core-needle biopsy. Despite a first cure of chemotherapy with gemcitabin/cisplatin, disease progression led to death 3 months after diagnosis. Mediastinal pleomorphic liposarcoma is an exceptional invading tumor affecting the middle-aged adult. This tumor, usually giant, becomes symptomatic by compression of mediastinal structures. Surgery is the best treatment when possible. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy are discussed. Prognosis depends both on the quality of resection and the grade malignancy.