title: Tumours and pseudotumours of the soft tissue in adults: perspectives and current role of sonography.
abstract: Soft tissue tumours of the musculoskeletal system are reported relatively frequently. The quality of the information gained from different imaging modalities (Doppler sonography, multislice CT, MRI spectroscopy, and diffusion MRI) means that in a growing number of situations, we can envisage determining with great accuracy not only the usual information of tumour size and topography, but often the exact nature of the tissue, almost always identifying whether a lesion is aggressive or not. Of all these techniques, Doppler sonography has become the most widely used due to the striking improvements in its sensors, especially for superficial applications. Some other recent developments are: panoramic imaging, elastography (although its current contribution is still to be determined but it seems to offer promising potential), and, most importantly, specific contrast agents. These techniques have considerably refined the quality of the information obtained, and have particularly enhanced the degree of sensitivity with which lesion progression can be assessed. Ultrasonography is the very first investigation in our protocol. It is also very often used to close investigations, as it accurately guides core needle biopsy from these generally accessible lesions. The purpose of this article is to bring together updated information on the various collections of sonographic features seen in soft tissue tumours and pseudotumours and to emphasise the considerable contributions of these new technological developments, in particular contrast-enhanced sonography. The discussion will follow the World Health Organisation's anatomical pathology classifications of soft tissue tumours. We will close with a synthesis that summarises the main steps in our diagnostic process.
authors: Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, Nancy University Hospital, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54035 Nancy cedex, France.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Pierucci
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Teixeira
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Zimmermann
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Sirveaux
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Rios
authors: J-L
authors: JL
authors: Verhaegue
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Blum
mesh_terms: D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005350:Fibroma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging