MR imaging of soft-tissue masses: diagnostic efficacy and value of distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions.

Purpose: To evaluate the capability of color Doppler ultrasonography to differentiate between benign and malignant soft-tissue tumors. Material and Methods: We reviewed the ultrasonographic (US) and color Doppler (CD) findings in 46 consecutive patients with a palpable periskeletal mass. The presence of 3 or more vascular hila and of tortuous and irregular internal vessels within the lesions was considered an indication of malignancy. The CD diagnosis was compared with that obtained at US alone. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of CD were respectively 85% and 92%; these values were higher than those obtained at US alone, respectively 75% and 50%. Arteriovenous malformations presented as lesions with large internal vessels that had low vascular impedance and were easily diagnosed. The waveform patterns within solid tumors were not specific. Conclusion: At present, US is commonly employed to confirm the presence of a suspected soft-tissue mass, to locate it accurately, and to indicate its nature. CD findings enhance the role of the US technique in such lesions. The combined use of US and CD can allow the differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, and thus provide a better basis for treatment.

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Assessment of Referrals into the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service: Evaluation of Imaging Early in the Pathway Process

Sarcoma ◽

10.1155/2012/781723 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Emma Rowbotham ◽

Shaheel Bhuva ◽

Harun Gupta ◽

Philip Robinson

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Soft Tissue Sarcoma ◽

Service Evaluation ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Imaging Diagnosis ◽

Local Hospital ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Tertiary Centre ◽

Soft Tissue Masses ◽

Malignant Lesions

Purpose. To prospectively evaluate regional referrals into a soft tissue sarcoma service from outside the tertiary centre with local hospital imaging.Materials and Methods. Consecutive referrals were prospectively assessed for: patient demographics, source, referral date, date received by Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), lesion size, local radiology, MDT radiology and final diagnoses. Radiology diagnosis was categorised benign, indeterminate or malignant by consensus. Delays were defined as >10 days.Results. 112 patients were included with high correlation between local and MDT radiology categrorisation and histology (P=0.54andP=0.49, resp.). There was only a trend for MDT radiology diagnosis to downgrade local imaging diagnosis (n=15,P>0.05). 48 cases (43%) had ultrasound and MRI at referral and 20 (18%) ultrasound only. 85% of cases were benign (lipoma most common), 15% malignant (sarcoma most common). Delay occurred in 34% of cases.Discussion. In comparison to previous series these results show a reduction in benign lesions, increased biopsy and malignancy rate for lesions referred to a tertiary centre when imaging is performed and reviewed by local radiologists.Advances in Knowledge. Imaging triage of soft tissue masses can decrease benign referral rates and increase the proportion of indeterminate and malignant lesions referred to specialist centres.

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