The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Tumors and Tumor Mimics Arising Within Skeletal Muscle

Introduction

Intramuscular tumor and tumorlike lesions can represent a diagnostic challenge to the general radiologist. There are a myriad of soft-tissue lesions with variable biological behavior ranging from benign to malignant that may involve skeletal muscles [1]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for defining the precise extent of a soft-tissue lesion within skeletal muscles [2] and for characterization. Benign intramuscular tumor or tumorlike lesions often have specific imaging features that aid confident diagnosis [1]. MRI characteristics of malignant soft-tissue tumors arising within the skeletal muscles are nonspecific. Biopsy is therefore required for definitive histological diagnosis and assessment of prognosis. Indeterminate intramuscular lesions on imaging should also be referred for biopsy [2]. This pictorial essay will focus on the role of MRI in intramuscular tumors that show histologically skeletal muscle differentiation, including benign, malignant, and some tumor mimics.

Publication History

Article published online:
25 May 2022

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