Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing skin tumors.

The depth and three-dimensional morphology of skin tumors were studied with MR imaging. This technology was found to be an effective tool not only for evaluating depth but also for determining the degree of invasion of malignant tumors in the skin and soft tissue. Of the various tumors examined, this method was particularly useful for visualizing malignant melanoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Thus, it is likely that MR imaging has great potential as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of other types of malignant skin tumors. By means of three-dimensional displays, tumors were more clearly visualized with respect to their relationship to the surrounding tissue and the three-dimensional state of infiltration, which was particularly useful in deciding on an appropriate resection area prior to surgery. The authors expect further technologic improvements in MR imaging in the future which will serve to increase the benefits obtained in its clinical applications.