J Korean Radiol Soc.
1995 Aug;33(2):293-299.
The Diagnostic Value of MRI for the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Soft Tissue Masses
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance(MR) imaging in the differentiation of
benign and malignant soft tissue masses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MR examination of 47 patients with pathologically proven soft tissue masses were
reviewed. This series included 19 malignant and 28 benign masses of upper and lower extremities, body, and
neck. Lesions were evaluated for their margin, signal intensity and homogeneity, pattern and degree of
enhancement, involvement of the adjacent tissue, and degree of surrounding edema.
RESULTS
Sixteen of benign lesions(57.1%) had well-defined and smooth margin. The tumor margin was
irregular in nine lesions(47.4%), however, smooth margin was noted in five cases(26.3%) of malignant lesions.
On T2-weighted images, signal inhomogeneity was noted in 84% of malignant lesions and 32% of benign
lesions. On Gd-DTPA enhancement study, all malignant lesions(n=18) showed enhancement and 89% showed
heterogeneously enhancing pattern. Neurovascular involvement was observed more often in malignancy(n=7)
compared to benign lesion(n=1). Direct invasion of the adjacent bone was noted only in malignant lesions(n=3).
Surrounding edema was revealed in two benign and 11 malignant lesions.
CONCLUSION
MR imaging appears useful for differentiating malignant and benign lesions by identifying
tumor margin, signal homogeneity of tumor, pattern and degree of enhancement, involvement of adjacent tissue,
and surrounding edema. The nature of the lesion can be determined in the majority of cases although no
unique criterion to differentiate benignancy and malignancy is identified.