Value of ultrasonographic evaluation for soft-tissue lesions: focus on incidentally detected lesions on CT/MRI

Soft-tissue lesions of the musculoskeletal system are commonly encountered in clinical practice and often manifest as palpable lesions. Moreover, the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging such as CT or MRI has resulted in the incidental detection of many soft-tissue lesions. Ultrasonography remains the primary imaging investigation for soft-tissue lesions. It has been shown to be helpful in depicting processes involving the soft-tissue lesions on cross-sectional imaging. This article describes the ultrasonographic findings of the most frequently incidentally detected benign and malignant soft-tissue lesions on cross-sectional imaging and suggests the characteristics of such diseases, focusing on the ultrasonographic features that allow accurate diagnosis. Familiarity with the clinical setting and the appearance of soft-tissue lesions on both ultrasonography and cross-sectional imaging can lead to accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.