Sandra Schmahmann MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) Recognize common benign soft tissue masses with characteristic MRI features, that do not require follow up or biopsy. 2) Evaluate soft tissue masses by location, signal intensity characteristics, size and relationship to certain anatomic structures in order to develop a differential diagnosis. 3) Suggest appropriate management of the soft tissue mass based on MRI features.

Several common benign soft tissue masses, such as lipoma, hemangioma, gangion, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, myositis ossificans and hematoma, have characteristic MRI features that allow the radiologist to make the diagnosis, and do not require follow up or biopsy. Lesions that arise from specific structures (e.g. giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath and peripheral nerve sheath tumor) or in certain anatomic locations (e.g. elastofibroma deep to the scapula) can further aid characterization. Size and signal intensity characteristics are additional criteria that help develop an appropriate differential diagnosis. Based on MRI features, the radiologist can suggest appropriate management and advise whether a biopsy is necessary.  

Schmahmann, S, MSK/Soft Tissue Masses.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/13010504.html