RadteraUltrasound Soft Tissue / Superficial Mass
USNo contrastMSK
Indications
- Palpable superficial lump / mass
- Suspected lipoma, cyst, or abscess
- Suspected foreign body
- Suspected hernia (with Valsalva)
- Characterization before biopsy
Patient prep
- None
- Position to expose region of interest; mark palpable lump
Contrast
None / non-contrast
Technique
- High-frequency linear transducer 7-15 MHz (higher for very superficial; standoff/thick gel if needed)
- Image mass in two orthogonal planes with adjacent normal tissue
- Color Doppler for vascularity (solid vs avascular cystic)
- Dynamic maneuvers for hernia (Valsalva) or foreign body
Series / Sequences
| # | Series / Sequence | Plane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mass long axis | Long axis | Measure; depth/layer (dermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular) |
| 2 | Mass transverse | Transverse | Third dimension; margins |
| 3 | Color Doppler of mass | As needed | Internal vascularity |
| 4 | Comparison with normal adjacent tissue / contralateral | As needed | If indicated |
Key points
- Measure in 3 dimensions and document tissue layer of origin and relationship to fascia/muscle
- Characterize as cystic (anechoic, posterior enhancement, avascular) vs solid (echogenic, vascular)
- Use Doppler to distinguish complex cyst/abscess from solid vascular mass
- Indeterminate or solid vascular masses may warrant MRI or biopsy
References
• AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Selected Ultrasound-Guided Procedures / Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination
• ACR-AIUM-SPR-SRU Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination
• Radiopaedia: Soft tissue ultrasound link
• ACR-AIUM-SPR-SRU Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination
• Radiopaedia: Soft tissue ultrasound link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.