[Computed tomography of soft tissue tumors of the extremities]

The results of 80 CT examinations in 57 patients with malignant (32) and benign (25) soft tissue tumours of the extremities are reported. Thirty-five patients underwent surgery and the CT features (size, structure, density, necrosis, calcification, bone involvement) were compared with the pathological and histological findings. Three quarters of the tumours which were non-homogeneous on CT were malignant, one quarter benign. Only half the cases of malignant tumours showed a definite margin, but 70% of benign tumours did so. Indefinite margins were found in 50% malignant and 30% benign tumours. Soft tissue tumours of the hands and feet were difficult to differentiate. Difficulties were also found during follow-up (37 patients) because of anatomical changes following surgery. Although some histological types tend to be associated with particular CT findings, a definite histological diagnosis can only be made in the case of lipomas.