Background: Several tumour-like conditions of the soft tissues may be encountered in clinical practice, or when patients undergo radiologic examinations. Although advances in cross sectional imaging (ultra-sound, MDCT and MRI) play a pivotal role in the correct evaluation of tumour-like lesions, a systematic approach is needed to achieve a definitive diagnosis or limit the differential diagnosis. Clinical history, physical examination and anatomic location are of paramount importance. Methods: In this pictorial essay we review some of the most frequent benign soft tissue conditions which may be mistaken for malignancy and thus lead to needless referrals, unnecessary biopsies and great anxiety to the patients and their carers. Level of evidence: IV.
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