Value of Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Superficial Soft Tissue Masses

Objective To evaluate the value of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosing the superficial soft tissue masses. Methods The clinical data of 70 patients with superficial soft tissue masses from January to November 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Superficial soft tissue masses was diagnosed by the surgery and biopsy. The sonographic features, including the location, morphology, size, internal echo, boundary, relationship with peripheral tissues, longitude to transverse ratio (L/T), and the vascularity, were observed. Results The results of sonographic examination showed that 100% superficial masses could be found. Benign masses included lipoma, sebaceous cysts, synovial cysts, nerve sheath tumors, haemangioma, foreign body granulomas, etc. Malignant soft tissue tumors included fibrous sarcoma and metastatic neoplasms. Conclusions Color Doppler ultrasonography can precisely diagnose the presence, localization and the physical characters of superficial soft tissue masses. It is an excellent modality to diagnose the benign or malignant masses by analyzing the boundary, configuration, internal echo and vascularity of the masses.