Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: Imaging appearances, pitfalls and diagnostic algorithms

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding diagnostic imaging of patients with soft-tissue sarcomas, which is a heterogeneous group of rare mesenchymal malignancies. After an initial contextualization, diagnostic flow-chart based on initial radiological findings of soft-tissue masses (with specific focus on adipocytic soft-tissue tumors [STTs], hemorragic STTs and retroperitoneal STTs) are provided considering relevant results from novel researches, guidelines, and experts' viewpoints, with the aim to help radiologists and clinicians in their practice. Particularly, the central place of sarcoma reference centers in the diagnostic and therapeutic management is highlighted, as well as the pivotal role that radiologists should play to correctly identify patients with soft-tissue sarcoma at the initial stage of the disease. Indications and methods for performing imaging-guided biopsies are also discussed, as well as clues to improve soft-tissue sarcoma grading with conventional and quantitative imaging.

Keywords: Imaging-guided biopsy; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Soft-tissue sarcomas; Soft-tissue tumors; Ultrasonography.