Ultrasound Imaging Findings of Subcutaneous Masses

Year 2020, Volume: 73 Issue: 3, 224 - 228, 31.12.2020

Nuray Haliloğlu , Mustafa Fatih Arslan , Başak Gülpınar

https://doi.org/10.4274/atfm.galenos.2020.28190

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate ultrasonography (US) imaging findings of palpable superficial soft-tissue masses in routine practice.

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 92 patients with palpable subcutaneous masses, who underwent US imaging in our department between October 2012 and March 2018. Patients’ electronic medical records were reviewed for US reports, pathology results if available, and clinical/radiological follow-up. Lipomas and simple cysts were considered as “absolutely benign”. Hypoechoic/heterogenous solid lesions with oval shape and smooth margins, with minimal or no vascularization were determined as “probably benign”. “Indetermined lesions” were defined as heterogeneous masses with irregular margins or disorganized vascularity. Heterogeneous lesions with irregular margins in patients with a primary malignancy were considered as “highly suspicious for metastases”.

Results: In 9% of the patients, no lesion was detected on US. Forty-Six patients showed typical US imaging findings of lipoma, 16 lesions were defined as simple or complex cystic masses. Fourteen lesions were classified as “probably benign” on US and all of them were benign on histopathological examination. Four lesions were classified as “indeterminate” on US and histopathological diagnosis was fat necrosis in two lesions, ruptured epidermal inclusion cyst in one lesion, and leiomyosarcoma in one lesion. Three patients with a known primary malignancy had lesions suggesting malignant infiltration, and they were all confirmed on histopathological examination. Accessory breast tissue was detected in one patient presenting with axillary palpable mass.

Conclusion: US is useful in demonstrating the presence and the nature of a mass and can diagnose benign incomplex masses. Further investigation should be considered when US findings are inconclusive.

Key Words: Ultrasound, Lipoma, Epidermal Cyst

Keywords

Ultrasound , Lipoma , Epidermal Cyst

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine(date: 11.02.2019, decision no: 03-209-19).

Supporting Institution

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Project Number

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Thanks

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