MR imaging manifestations of skin tumors

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated MR imaging findings of skin tumors and categorized them into four types: (1) discrete mass lesions of the dermis and epidermis, (2) mass lesions of the subcutis with or without abutment to the skin, (3) diffuse or localized skin thickening without a true mass, and (4) a skin mass with bone destruction. The categorization of MR images may be useful in the differential diagnosis of skin tumors.

MR Imaging of Mushroom-like Skin Adnexal Tumors in the Scalp: A Report of Two Cases

“…Many skin adnexal tumors are located within the subcutaneous tissue, and are adjacent focally or widely to the dermis. 2 A gross change of the skin may be seen.…”

Imaging Findings of Head and Neck Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

“…19,20 Bony destruction is uncommon with skin tumors, but when bone destruction is noted on imaging, malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma should be considered. [21][22][23] Histologically, DFSP is an infiltrative soft tissue neoplasm of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. DFSP is composed of bland, elongated spindle cells with a storiform, or whorled, pattern arranged around foci of collagen or vascular spaces, radiating outward like the spokes of a wheel (Fig 4A).…”

“…13,14,34,35,38,39 Differential diagnoses of other cutaneous neoplasms that could be confused with DFSP include dermatofibroma, epidermal cyst, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, nodular fasciitis, cavernous hemangioma, liposarcoma, nodular type of melanoma, and mycosis fungoides. 21,40,41 Dermatofibroma can have imaging findings similar to DFSP on CT and MR imaging but is most frequently seen in the extremities, whereas DFSP is most commonly seen in the trunk. 42,43 Epidermal cyst, most commonly an incidental finding, does not enhance on both CT and MR, unless infected, whereas DFSP shows variable enhancement on CT and MR imaging.…”

MRI of severe regression of malignant melanoma

“…Therefore, the expected signal pattern for melanoma is a high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and low signal intensity on T2-weighted images [1]. In the amelanotic pattern, the lesion is of low or intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and of high or intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted images [1]. In our case, only the center portion, which Gray-white nodule 30 Â 25 mm in size with a black nodule 10 mm in diameter in the center on the right side of the patient's left big toe (a).…”