[Muscular tumors: MR patterns, integrated diagnostic imaging, staging, and follow-up]

The goals of radiologic imaging in the study of tumors can be summarized as follows: 1) Definition of the exact volume and site of the lesion; 2) Tumor differentiation from surrounding structures; 3) Possible definition of tumor nature; 4) Follow-up. The radiologic imaging modalities to be considered are: a) conventional radiography; b) angiography; c) US; d) CT; e) MR. Of the above techniques, MR imaging can be considered as adequate to differentiate benign from malignant masses. Moreover, MR provides detailed information on both lesion and surrounding structure and allows histopathologic diagnosis. Finally, it is superior to CT with i.v. contrast medium in recognizing small lesions. Thus, dynamic MR imaging with paramagnetic contrast medium is currently considered the method of choice in evaluating recurrences and differentiating the latter from recent fibroses. MR limitations include the small number of units, their complexity and cost and exam duration.