MRI of Soft Tissue Tumors and Tumor Mimickers

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a vital part of the routine work up of a patient with a suspected soft-tissue tumor of the musculoskeletal system. Unlike for bone lesions, plain radiography and CT are of little help in evaluating noncalcified tumors in soft tissue. True multiplanar capability and unparalleled capacity for softtissue contrast make MRI superbly suited to this particular clinical indication. Not only can MRI frequently suggest a specific diagnosis, but it is unsurpassed in its ability to delineate the soft-tissue extent of the tumor for accurate staging. Moreover, constant innovations in coil design, gradient hardware and pulse sequences continue to advance the diagnostic capacity of MRI at a remarkable rate.