MLS & Surgery

MLS stands for myxoid liposarcoma, the second most common type of liposarcoma. This type of tumor is usually found in the leg and is made of mostly fat cells.

Removal

• It may be possible to remove the tumor from the leg or other affected area surgically. This surgery may be followed by radiation or chemotherapy to prevent the revival of the tumor.

Drug Therapy

• The drug trabectedin has been used to treat MLS. Although approved in Europe and some Asian countries, the use of trabectedin was still being researched in the United States as of 2009.

Amputation

• In some cases the affected limb may need to be amputated. The amputation is performed at the level of the bone or the joint, a process called disarticulation. Doctors choose this option when removal of the tumor alone would paralyze the leg.