Ultrasonic Differentiation of Superficial Masses

Abstract

Although superficial masses are usually easily identified, it is often difficult to establish their internal structure prior to surgery. By utilizing ultrasound (both B-scan and A-mode types of display), it is possible to determine whether a mass is cvstic, solid or complex. The extent of the mass, often unrecognized clinically, could also be displayed ultrasonically. The areas examined include the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities. The superficial masses evaluated included abscesses, cysts, hemangionas, hematomas, lipomas, and sarcoma. Of the thirty cases studied, ten produced cvstic ultrasonic patterns, fifteen complex and five solid. In this group there was onemissed diagnosis, that of a rhabdomyosarcoma, which produced a complex rather than a solid pattern. The diagnoses were confirmed by either surgery, biopsy, drainage or aspiration.