[Soft tissue tumors : Imaging strategy for local primary diagnostics - manifestation, pearls and pitfalls in MRI]

Only approximately 1% of soft tissue tumors are malignant. Potentially malignant lesions can be recognized by ultrasound and submitted for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiography can supply valuable additional information. The MRI examination is the imaging reference standard for soft tissue tumors and also serves as local staging modality. Lesions which are indeterminate in MRI, or in which therapy is dependent on histology results, should be biopsied. Referral to a reference center is recommended. The multitude of soft tissue tumor entities are classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) system (latest version 2013). Some tumors show characteristic locations and MRI morphology. Sarcoma staging by imaging is influenced by the size and site in comparison to the surface fascia. International standards must be adhered to: decisive for the patient is in particular the care by an experienced interdisciplinary tumor team.