Guide to pseudotumours and soft tissue tumour mimics

There are many pathological entities that can mimic a soft tissue tumour. Even with appropriate clinico-radiological assessment, some of these lesions can be misinterpreted as soft tissue sarcomas. Also known as pseudotumours, this can lead to unnecessary further investigations or intervention. With the relevant clinical history, clinical examination and imaging characteristics, one can narrow the differential diagnosis of these problematic lesions. Occasionally the diagnosis of a pseudotumour may only be made after histopathological analysis. We present common tumour mimics using an anatomical sieve that should be considered when presented with a palpable soft tissue mass.