Composition of fat in different types of liposarcomas in comparison with lipomas.

Different types of liposarcomas, and for comparison, lipomas were investigated for their lipid composition. Triglycerides were the main components of lipomas and lipoma-like liposarcomas. Myxoid liposarcomas had a high water content and contained considerable amounts of free cholesterol and phospholipids. One pleomorphic liposarcoma resembled a myxoid liposarcoma in its lipid composition and water content. In 4 liposarcomas of mixed type the lipid composition resembled the main subtype. A glycerol ether-like fraction was found in all lipoma-like (well differentiated) liposarcomas, in one myxoid type but not in the other types.