Diffusion-weighted MRI of soft tissue tumors

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved as an important diagnostic tool for assessing soft tissue tumors due to its excellent soft tissue contrast and multiplanar reconstruction capabilities. The imaging characteristics of common benign lesions, such as lipoma and hemangioma, are often specific enough to allow a conclusive diagnosis. However, conventional MRI is limited in providing clinically satisfactory information about soft tissue tumor characterization and the presence and extent of viable tumor tissue and/or tumor necrosis.