Imaging of soft tissue tumors

In a patient presenting with a soft tissue tumor, radiographs are needed to visualize or exclude osseous involvement. Ultrasound can be used to visualize the lesion for cytologic biopsy. If cytology does not rule out sarcoma, magnetic resonance imaging is indicated to stage the lesion. As a rule staging studies other than MR imaging are not needed to evaluate the local situation. Usually MR imaging does not assist in suggesting a specific diagnosis. In certain instances, however, morphology or the presence of high signal intensity on T1, or low signal intensity on T2-weighted images increases specificity. Thick needle biopsy or open biopsy should be performed following MR imaging. This reduces sample errors and increases the accuracy of preoperative staging.