Mimickers of the soft tissue tumours belong to a large and heterogeneous group of disorders, varying from normal anatomic variants, and other pitfalls such as inflammatory and infectious lesions, post-traumatic lesions, skin lesions, nonneoplastic vascular lesions, metabolic disorders (crystal deposition disease, amyloidosis) and miscellaneous disorders(Geyser phenomenon in longstanding rotator cuff disease, Baker’s cyst, elastofibroma dorsi, pseudohypertrophy of the lower leg due to neurogenic compression). Classification of these pseudotumours remains still a matter of debate. Many of these lesions are reactive or self-limiting without the need for further investigation or significant intervention. The imaging approach is often very similar to the approach of “true” soft tissue tumoural counterparts. Knowledge of the normal anatomy and existence and common presentation of these diseases, in combination with the relevant clinical findings (clinical history, location, skin changes), enables the correct diagnosis in most cases, thereby limiting the need for invasive procedures. Biopsy should be performed in doubtful cases.

Learning objectives :
1. To become familiar with the normal anatomy.
2. To be able to identify normal variants.
3. To appreciate the range of pitfalls that may simulate soft tissue tumours.