Practical considerations in the imaging of soft tissue tumors

Imaging studies are of crucial importance in the preoperative and post- treatment evaluation of soft tissue tumors. Many different imaging modalities are available for the diagnostic investigation of suspected soft tissue tumors, each with specific indications and relative advantages and disadvantages. Following thorough imaging evaluation, many clinically suspected soft tissue tumors are shown to represent prior injury, a normal variant, or soft tissue pseudotumor; others have clinical and imaging features suggestive of a benign soft tissue lesion and may be closely followed by physical examination and appropriate imaging studies. When a soft tissue malignancy cannot be excluded, biopsy is required for histologic diagnosis. Optimal imaging evaluation of a suspected soft tissue malignancy requires close communication between the orthopedic surgeon and the radiologist.