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High-resolution ultrasound in the assessment of soft tissue

tumors and tumor-like lesions

Poster No.: C-1867


Congress: ECR 2013
Type: Educational Exhibit
Authors: 1 1
M. Martínez Hervás , V. de Lara Bendahan , M. D. Moreno
2 1 1
Ramos , J. Vivancos García , M. A. Garcia Sanchez , F. J. Ramos
1 1 2
Medrano ; Sevilla/ES, Bormujos/ES
Keywords: Ultrasound-Colour Doppler, Ultrasound, MR, Soft tissues / Skin,
Musculoskeletal system, Musculoskeletal soft tissue
DOI: 10.1594/ecr2013/C-1867

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Learning objectives

• Review the current classification of soft tissue tumors, as well as many


other conditions that can present as palpable soft tissue lesions (tumor-like
lesions).
• Show ultrasound findings of these entities and their correlation with other
imaging techniques.
• Emphasize the benefits of ultrasound as an imaging technique of choice in
the initial study of patients presenting with a soft tissue mass.

Background

Patients are commonly referred for imaging to evaluate a soft-tissue mass in the trunk or
extremities. These lesions range from nonneoplastic conditions to benign and malignant
tumors. This study will review the current classification of soft tissue tumors and describe
multiple non-neoplastic entities that can present as soft tissue masses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classification, established in 2002, includes more
than 80 tumors, divided into different groups as defined in table 1. Table 1 show the
abbreviated World Health Organization classification of soft-tissue tumors. In addition,
many tumor-like lesions (like inflammatory-infectious, traumatic, skin appendages or
other origin), are frequently encountered in practice.

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Fig. 1: Abbreviated WHO Classification of Soft-Tissue Tumors.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

Imaging findings OR Procedure details

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TUMOR-LIKE LESIONS:

1. SYNOVIAL FLUID COLLECTIONS:

- SYNOVIAL CYSTS: Collections of synovial fluid representing a true herniation of


the synovial membrane through the joint capsule. Ultrasonography of nodular lesions
appear as well-defined borders, with anechoic content, or with fine echoes inside (fig. 2).
Sometimes identifying calcifications-ossifications (synovial osteochondromatosis).

Fig. 2: Synovial cyst.


References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- GANGLIA: Are lined by a capsule composed of flat spindle cells and do not have a
synovial lining. More frequent in wrists and hands. The sonographic appearance is a
nodular lesion with well defined borders, usually anechoic (fig. 3).

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Fig. 3: Ganglion cyst.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- TENOSYNOVITIS: Inflammation of a tendon and its synovial sheath. Thickening


and hypoechoic tendon wtih fluid in its tendon sheat is observed in ultrasound study,
sometimes in a way that is so evident as swelling or tumor of soft parts (fig. 4).

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Fig. 4: Tenosinovitis.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- BURSITIS: Inflammation of a bursa. Ultrasonography shows an anechoic collection of


well-defined edges, or with fine echoes inside, in usual location of a bursa.

2. INFLAMMATORY-INFECTIOUS LESIONS:

- PHLEGMON/ ABSCESS: Infectious changes in a different evolutionary phase.


Abscesses are focal, often well-defined collections of purulent fluid surrounded by a
prominently hypervascularized inflamade bordering tissue capsule, that can be observed
with color or power-doppler ultrasound (fig. 5). The inner content ranges from hypoechoic
to hyperechoic including internal septations and typical sedimenting debris with easily
provocable swirling of fluid within the mass after compression with the transducer.

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Fig. 5: Infectious tumor-like lesions.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- FOREIGN BODY REACTION-GRANULOMA: Inflammatory changes of the organism


in the presence of a foreign body. Ultrasound is an excellent imaging technique
for identifying foreign bodies, that are usually hyperechoic with hypoechoic and
hypervascularity periphery on Doppler assessment (foreign body reaction) (fig. 6).

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Fig. 6: Foreign body reaction.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

3. TRAUMATIC INJURIES:

- HEMATOMA: hematomas of soft tissue may pose interpretative problems in the


differential diagnosis related to neoplastic masses (clinically important to assess direct or
indirect trauma history). They may appear as expansive inhomogeneous poorly bordered
masses in B-mode (fig. 7). There may be some reactive bordering vascularity (clearing
activity). Sometimes it is necessary to perform biopsy or histologic evaluation to rule out
malignancy.

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Fig. 7: Posttraumatic hematoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- POSTTRAUMATIC MORELL-LAVALÉE SEROMA: Serous or serohematic


posttraumatic subcutaneous collection located outside the muscle fascia. It is produced
by shearing of the tissues due to shear forces (eg typically in soft tissue trauma on asphalt
in road accidents). Typically these lesions are anechoic or hypoechoic, however internal
debris, including fat globules can give rise to echogenic foci or even fluid fluid levels. A
capsule of variable thickness may be seen (fig. 8).

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Fig. 8: Posttraumatic Morel-Lavallée seroma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- MUSCLE HERNIA: Consists of a muscle focal herniation through a defect located in


the fascia that surrounds it. It most often occurs in the lower extremities, especially in
the anterior tibial compartment. The ultrasound allows diagnosis because of the dynamic
assessment of the palpable area asking patients affected muscle contraction (fig. 9).

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Fig. 9: Muscular hernia.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

4. SKIN APPENDAGES MASSES:

- EPIDERMOID (EPIDERMAL INCLUISON) CYST: True epitheliallly lined cysts with


internal echoes resulting from the presence of keratin and a varying amount of lipid
containing debris. Sonography show a well-defined, echoic sharp, and thin outer
bordering, and a homogeneous or heterogeous ("linear") inner texture. No considerable
surrounding or internal vascularity is seen (fig. 10).

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Fig. 10: Epidermoid cyst.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

5. ENDOMETRIOSIS:
Abnormal growth of functioning endometrial tissue outside its usual location. In the
presence of a soft tissue mass in area gynecological or obstetric surgical scar, varying
in size (with the hormonal changes of the patient) should think a focus of endometriosis.
Ultrasonography shown as hypoechoic soft tissue lesions with irregular borders and
variable internal vascularity (fig. 11).

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Fig. 11: Endometriosis.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

6. VASCULAR LESIONS:

There are different types of vascular alterations that may present as a soft tissue tumor
in the exploration, as arterial elongation (usually in patients with hypertension), arterial
aneurysms and arterial or venous pseudoaneurysms (fig. 12).

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Fig. 12: Tumor-like vascular lesions.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

7. ABDOMINAL WALL HERNIAS:

The herniations through defects in the abdominal wall may be presented as palpable
masses. It is important to assess the location and content. The most common hernias
that may present as clinically palpable masses are inguinal and periumbilical hernias.
Ultrasound is usually diagnostic. The ultrasonographic appearance depend of the hernial
content (fig. 13).

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Fig. 13: Hernia pathology.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

SOFT-TISSUE TUMORS:

1. ADIPOCYTIC TUMORS:

The fatty tumors are the most common of mesenchymal tumors group (due to the
high incidence of lipomas). Lipomas are usually located in the subcutaneous tissue.
Lipomas are homogeneously hyperechoic masses with or withour capsule (no indicator
of malignancy), without areas of nodularity or thckened sepatations. No vascularization
are generally detected on doppler assessment (fig. 14).

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Fig. 14: Lipoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

Lipomatosis of nerve is a proliferation of fat within a nerve, most commonly affecting


the median nerve (fig. 15).

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Fig. 15: Neural fibrolipoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

Atypical lipomatous tumors/ well-differentiated liposarcomas (locally aggressive)


may resembe lipomas (over 75% of the tumor volume is fat). Ultrasonography shown
lipomatous tumor appearance, usually larger, more heterogeneous and with areas of
vascularization (fig. 16).

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Fig. 16: Well-differentiated liposarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

The radiographic appearance of malignant liposarcomas will depend on the fat, myxoid
and cellular components, and vascular necrosis that may be present (sometimes no fatty
component is detected in imaging techniques) (fig. 17).

The major challenge from the radiological point of view is the distinction between well-
differentiated liposarcomas and lipomas. Findings for a diagnosis for well-differentiated
liposarcoma are:

- Growth and / or pain of the tumor


- Deep location

- Size larger than 10 cm


- Thick septations. nodular or cystic / necrotic component

- Hypervascularization

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Fig. 17: Myxoid liposarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

2. FIBROBLASTIC/ MIOFIBROBLASTIC TUMORS

- NODULAR FASCIITIS: It is typical composed by well-deffined, ovoid or lobulated,


hypoechoic subcutaneous masses which may also affect deep muscle fasicas (fig. 18).

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Fig. 18: Nodular fasciitis.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- MYOSITIS OSSIFICANS TRAUMATICA (MOT): Benign proliferative process with


heterotopic ossification following soft tissue trauma. Sonographically show different
aspects depending on the time evolution. In the early stages can only exist
hypoechogenicity of injured muscle fibers, progressing toward nodular hyperechoic
(ossifying) areas, mainly in the periphery of the lesion. May also coexist hypervascularity
(fig. 19).

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Fig. 19: Myositis ossificans traumatica and calcifying panniculitis.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- ELASTOFIBROMA DORSI: Pseudo-tumoral lesion showing a typical location


(subscapularis) and radiographic appearance, caused by repeated microtrauma.
Ultrasonography shows a relatively ill-defined edges, with heterogeneous echotexture,
globally hyperechoic, with a fibrillar pattern (fig. 20).

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Fig. 20: Elastofibroma dorsi.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- MUSCULOSKELETAL FIBROMATOSIS: Group of proliferative lesions of soft tissue,


which can be superficial or deep fibromatosis. The most frequent superficial lesions are
plantar (Ledderhose disease) and palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren's disease). The typical
nodules are hypoechoic, with often a little blurry margination but without calcifications or
any cystic components, affecting the palmar or plantar fascia (fig. 21). These lesions may
show hypervascularity in proliferative phase (symptomatic). The deep musculoskeletal
fibromatosis are commonly larger in size and may show a more aggressive and infiltrative
growth pattern.

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Fig. 21: Plantar fibromatosis.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- HEMANGIOPERICYTOMAS: Peripherally tumoral lesions, which most often affects


middle-aged adults with nonspecific radiographic appearance of heterogeneous
echotexture, with hypo and hyperechoic areas. May show cystic or hemorrhagic
component (fig. 22).

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Fig. 22: Hemangiopericytoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- FIBROSARCOMAS: Heterogeneous expansive lesions (hypo and hyperechoic areas),


may show foci of calcification or ossification, relatively hypovascular, sometimes with
pseudocapsule formation and tendency to invade adjacent structures (fig. 23).

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Fig. 23: Fibrosarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

3. SO-CALLED FIBROHISTIOCYTIC TUMORS:

- GIANT CELL TUMOR OF THE TENDON SHEAT (localized nodular tenosynovitis):


Second most frequent tumor of the hand (after ganglions). It appears as a hypoechoic,
usually homogeneous lesionin contact with a tendon, slow growing and may produce
bone erosion. With Doppler study can be demonstrated internal or peripheral vasculature
(fig. 24).

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Fig. 24: Giant cell tumor of tendon sheat.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- PLEOMORPHIC MALIGNANT FIBROUS HISTIOCYTOMA (undifferentiated


pleomorphic sarcoma): Most tumors that in the past were considered malignant fibrous
histiocytoma are currently considered as fibrosarcomas (fig. 25).

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Fig. 25: Pleomorphic fibrous histiocytoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

4. SMOOTH MUSCLE TUMORS:

ANGIOLEIOMYOMA: Benign tumor of smooth muscle, subcutaneous location, slow-


growing, well-defined borders, hypoechoic and usually shows moderate signs of
vascularization (fig. 26).

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Fig. 26: Angioleiomyoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

5. PERICYTIC (PERIVASCULAR) TUMORS:

GLOMUS TUMOR: Usually located in acral areas (typical subungual location).


Typically they are painful to stimuli such as cold, pressure or temperature changes.
Ultrasonography shows a hypoechoic lesion, with significant Doppler vascularity in
Doppler color study (fig. 27).

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Fig. 27: Glomus tumor.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

6. SKELETAL MUSCLE TUMORS:


Rhabdomyomas are rare tumors, which are divided between cardiac and extracardiac
rhabdomyomas. Rhabdomyosarcoma is radiologically indistinguishable from other
types of sarcomas.

7. VASCULAR TUMORS:
HEMANGIOMAS and VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS: Most frequent benign soft
tissue hamartomas. Ultrasonography usually present as ill-defined lesion, with markedly
heterogeneous echotexture, and sometimes contain internal areas pseudocystic and
phleboliths (which manifest as hyperechoic images with posterior acoustic shadowing).
They may have a cap hyperechoic (fat) in the periphery of the lesion. MRI is needed to
assess the full extent of the tumor extension (often greater than observed in ultrasound)
(fig. 28).

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Fig. 28: Hemangioma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

8. EXTRASKEKELETAL CHONDRO-OSSEOUS TUMORS:

Soft-tissue chondroma is the most frequent benign osteo-chondral tumor, and soft
tissue osteosarcoma and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma are the representation of
malignancy in this group. The ultrasonographic appearance will vary depending on its
bone matrix component, hemorrhage or necrosis (figs. 29, 30 and 31).

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Fig. 29: Osteosarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

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Fig. 30: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

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Fig. 31: Mesenchimal chondrosarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

9. PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEAT TUMORS (PNST):


PNST are classified separately as neurogenic tumors by the WHO and comprise benign
and malignant PNST.

- SCHWANNOMAS are benign tumors of the nerve sheath. Connection with a nerve
and the presence of tiny inner pseudocysts are patognomonic features (fig. 32). They
are usually well vascularized without exhibiting necrotic areas. In contrast, the so-called
"ancient schwannomas", presents large concentric cystic inner transformations.

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Fig. 32: Schwannoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- NEUROFIBROMAS: A neurofibroma is a circumscribed, spindle-shaped mass defined,


with a typically layered appareatance in axial scans ("target sign"). In contras to
schwannomas the vascularization is sparse. Multifocal neurofibromas plexiform and
multifocal variant may occur in neurofibromatosis type 1 (fig. 33).

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Fig. 33: Neurofibroma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

- MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEAT TUMORS (MPNST) may show a


variable appearance, from well circumscribed to infiltrative masses. In most cases, very
heterogenic areas consisting of necrosis, hemorrhages, and calcifications are found.
Important vascularization are usually present (fig. 34).

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Fig. 34: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

10. TUMORS OF UNCERTAIN DIFFERENTIATION:


This group includes tumors without a clear differentiation.
SYNOVIAL SARCOMA is the fourth most common type of soft tissue sarcomas.
The lesion does not commonly arise in intra-articular location, but usually occurs in
para-articular soft-tissue. Findings of a lobulated, highly vascularized soft-tissue mass,
particulary if cacificed (30%), in a paraarticular region, particularly in a lower limb of a
young patient, is verty suggestive of a synovial sarcoma (fig. 35).

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Fig. 35: Sinovial sarcoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

11. LYMPHOMAS:

The subcutaneous tissue can be the primary settlement site of peripheral T-cell
lymphomas (Non-Hodgkin). The subcutaneous lymphoma T cells may present clinically
as a cellulitis or inflammatory changes. Ultrasound can show a significant increased
echogenicity and swelling of the fat lobes, with poor differentiation between the skin and
subcutaneous tissue (fig. 36).

Page 37 of 41
Fig. 36: Lymphoma.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

METASTASIS:

Soft-tissue metastasis of carcinomas, sarcomas, or malignant melanomas are usually


predomininantly hypoechoic, poorly bordered, and inhomonegenous masses. Soft-tissue
metastasis often show significant hypervascularity (fig. 37).

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Fig. 37: Soft-tissue metastases.
References: Radiología, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe - Sevilla/ES

Conclusion

Ultrasonography should be the imaging modality of choice in the initial evaluation of a


patient with soft tissue mass, for its many advantages (accessibility, cost, no ionizing
radiation, direct contact with the patient...).

It is important to know the different types of tumors and tumor-like can be presented as
"masses" of soft tissue, as well as the current classification, and the main sonographic,
radiological, even clinics features. It is also important to admit the limitations of ultrasound
(eg in large masses, deep location, ...), and the limitations of radiology (the impossibility
of label or characterize the tumor in many cases), to decide the proper attitude in each
individual case (need for histological study of uncertain nature or probably malignant
lesions).

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