Imaging Spectrum in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Abstract

Imaging plays an important role in detection, diagnosis as well as pre and post operative management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Soft tissue sarcomas are generally a diagnostic dilemma needing the complimentary use of both radiology and pathology for their accurate diagnosis. In this review article, we have tried to highlight the important facts about the various imaging modalities available as well as the recent advances in the field of radiology.

Solitary fibrous tumour: A rare find on ultrasound

“…They are also normally homogeneous in nature; however, these characteristics do not rule out malignancy, as malignancies can also appear well defined and homogeneous. Therefore, further investigation is required, and an MRA is the preferred imaging modality when a tumour is suspected …”

“…From the initial clinical examination, the appropriate diagnostic imaging techniques can be determined, which may be used in conjunction with one another to obtain an accurate result. This information is then used to determine the appropriate treatment required to achieve the best outcome for the patient …”

Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography for Monitoring Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

“…Typical contrast‐enhanced CT and MRI features of soft tissue sarcomas include a peripheral rim of enhancement with a nonenhancing necrotic central portion. The peripheral enhancing component of a soft tissue sarcoma contains the viable tumor 13 …”

“…The peripheral enhancing component of a soft tissue sarcoma contains the viable tumor. 13 Although the value of contrast-enhanced sonography in characterizing liver lesions has been well established, its utility in assessing soft tissue sarcomas is still at an experi- Stramare et al 14 evaluated 14 soft tissue lesions by contrast-enhanced sonography, including 7 malignant (1 metastasis, 5 soft tissue sarcomas, and 1 lymphoma) and 7 benign (3 schwannomas, 1 angioleiomyoma, and 3 lipomas) tumors. They concluded that in malignant lesions, enhancement began earlier, and the time to peak was reached earlier, than in benign lesions.…”

Giant multinodular infantile fibrosarcoma: a case report

“…2,8 CT scan and/or an MRI scan be used for imaging the tumour mass to assess the extent of tumour spread and possible distant metastasis though said to be unusual. 9 A wide local resection is the mainstay of treatment. 10 However, if initial surgery cannot be done without extensive mutilation or is not possible, preoperative chemotherapy should be given.…”