Key message:

  • Liposarcomas are one of the more common variants of soft tissue sarcoma.
  • In 2007-2009 there were 6.2 cases diagnosed per million population.
  • Incidence rates in males are twice as high as those in females.
  • Five-year relative survival for cases diagnosed between 1985 and 2004 was 77%.

Liposarcoma: incidence and survival rates in England

Liposarcoma: incidence and survival rates in England

Incidence Rates

Liposarcomas account for approximately 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas diagnosed in England in the last 25 years. Liposarcomas arise from fat cells and can occur anywhere in the body. There are 6 different sub-types; the 4 most common are liposarcoma Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), well-differentiated liposarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma.

There were 6,370 liposarcomas diagnosed in England between 1985 and 2009. The age-standardised incidence rate was 6.2 cases per million population in 2007-2009 (Figure 1). Incidence rates in males have increased significantly over time, and in 2007-2009 incidence rates in males were twice as high as in females. Sub-type incidence rates varied between 2.1 per million (liposarcoma NOS) and 1.1 per million (pleomorphic and myxoid liposarcoma) (Figure 2).

Figure 1: Liposarcoma 3-year rolling age standardised incidence rates in each sex (England, 1985-2009)

Liposarcoma fig 1

Figure 2: Liposarcoma 3-year rolling age standardised incidence rates, for the 4 most common sub-types (England, 1985-2009)

Liposarcoma fig 2

Liposarcoma age specific incidence rates increase with age in both sexes before peaking in 75-85 year olds and reducing somewhat in the oldest age group. Liposarcomas in children are exceptionally rare. Male age specific incidence rates increase from the age of 55 years at a greater degree than those observed in females, with male rates in the older age group double those of female rates.

Figure 3: Number of liposarcomas diagnosed in each age group and sex (England, 1985-2009)

Liposarcoma fig 3

Figure 4: Liposarcoma age specific incidence rates (England, 1985-2009)

Liposarcoma fig 4

Survival Rates

The 5-year relative survival for liposarcomas diagnosed in England between 1985 and 2004 was 81% for males and 72% for females. Between 1985 and 2004 the overall 5-year relative survival rate for liposarcomas has increased from 65% to 77% (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Five-year relative survival rates of liposarcoma England, 1985-2004

Liposarcoma fig 5

Between 1985 and 2004 5-year relative survival increased in both males and females (Figure 6). Well differentiated liposarcomas had the best and pleomorphic liopsarcomas the worst 5-year relative survival. Only the 5-year relative survival for the liposarcoma NOS sub-type, increased significantly, between 1985 and 2004; from 62% to 77% (Figure 7).

Figure 6: Liposarcoma 5-year relative survival rates by sex (5 year rolling) (England, 1985-2004)

Liposarcoma fig 6

Figure 7: Liposarcoma 5-year relative survival rates for all cancer sites (5 year rolling) (England, 1985-2004)

Liposarcoma fig 7

FIND OUT MORE:

West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit (WMCIU) is the National Cancer Intelligence Network lead cancer registry for sarcomas.

The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) is a UK-wide partnership operated by Public Health England. The NCIN coordinates and develops analysis and intelligence to drive improvements in prevention, standards of cancer care and clinical outcomes for cancer patients.