Imaging of soft tissue sarcomas.

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare and a heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Over the years imaging has played a crucial role in the initial staging, monitoring response to chemotherapy, and surveillance for recurrence. In the era of rapidly evolving individualized treatment due to evolving chemotherapies, increasing demand has been placed on the role of imaging in the management of this heterogeneous group. The rapidly evolving technologies in imaging are trying to keep up with the challenge, with development of newer strategies and hybrid imaging. However, many of these newer technologies are either not available or too costly, even in advanced countries, and hence their exact role remains uncertain. Due to this, and the vast diversity of sarcomas, the imaging appearance and management strategies vary and there is no universally accepted algorithm for the role of individual imaging technologies. The basic imaging techniques; however, remain the same, with these newer techniques and strategies vying for their roles in management. We review current imaging techniques and their role in the management of soft tissue sarcomas.