CT and MRI features of tumors and tumor-like lesions in the abdominal wall

Abstract

BackgroundThe abdomen is a very accessible part of the human body, and clinically accessible abdominal masses are particularly common. Some of these lesions arise from abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, and ovaries, while others manifest in the abdominal wall itself. The abdominal wall anatomy is relatively superficial and hierarchical. The abdominal wall is divided into four major layers: the skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia and enveloped inner muscles, and the peritoneal fascia. A wide variety of masses are derived from the above structural layers, including both true tumors and tumor-like lesions. According to one cohort study, benign masses accounted for 57.8% and malignant masses accounted for 42.2% of these masses (1).Because most abdominal wall lesions are superficial, ultrasound (US) is usually the preferred imaging modality by virtue of its convenience, economy, and high resolution, although the US is operator-dependent and can be problematic for deep and large lesions. The popularization of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have led to their playing an increasingly important role and having great diagnostic value in modern medicine. MRI is widely considered the optimal imaging technique in the evaluation of soft tissue tumors (2). MRI provides high-resolution images of soft tissues, which can be imaged in any orientation. Basic sequences, such as T 1weighted imaging (T 1 WI), T 2 -weighted imaging (T 2 WI), and T 2 WI with fat suppression (T 2 WI/FS), and even diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and contrast-enhanced imaging, are generally required. CT has less advantage in the diagnosis of abdominal wall masses, but it can be used

Unusual Case of Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to the Abdominal Wall 11 Years Later: Synchronous Presentation with Two Malignant Colon Tumors, Coincidence or Not?

“…Abdominal wall masses are a frequent finding in clinical practice and cover a large number of pathologies. Abdominal masses are traditionally classified as benign tumors, malignant tumors, or tumor-like lesions such as hernias or abscesses of the abdominal wall [ 6 ]. According to a cohort study, malignant masses accounted for 42.2% of these [ 1 ].…”

“…In relation to imaging tests, ultrasound is usually a good imaging technique for the initial diagnosis because it is cheap and not harmful to the patient. Furthermore, most abdominal masses are superficial and therefore accessible by ultrasound [ 6 ]. However, it is operator dependent and its use is limited in large and deep masses [ 6 ].…”

“…Furthermore, most abdominal masses are superficial and therefore accessible by ultrasound [ 6 ]. However, it is operator dependent and its use is limited in large and deep masses [ 6 ]. Contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) represent the mainstays of initial diagnosis and work-up, providing information regarding relationship with structures and possible primary site and characterizing the tumor.…”

“…Consecutive improvements in imaging techniques such as CT and MRI have made their use popular as diagnostic tests. MRI is widely considered the optimal imaging technique in the evaluation of soft tissue tumors because of its high resolution [ 6 ]. CT has less of an advantage in diagnosing the aetiology of abdominal wall masses [ 6 ].…”

“…MRI is widely considered the optimal imaging technique in the evaluation of soft tissue tumors because of its high resolution [ 6 ]. CT has less of an advantage in diagnosing the aetiology of abdominal wall masses [ 6 ]. However, it can be used to study relationships with adjacent structures and diagnose the primary tumor or even distant site metastases.…”