Which imaging modality is particularly useful for assessing soft tissue masses?

Ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing soft tissue masses because it utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the internal structures. This imaging modality is non-invasive and provides excellent detail of soft tissues, allowing veterinarians to evaluate the composition, size, and vascularity of a mass more effectively than with other modalities.

One of the key advantages of ultrasound is its ability to distinguish between solid and fluid-filled masses, which is critical in guiding treatment decisions. Additionally, ultrasound can assist in guiding fine-needle aspiration or biopsy procedures, providing guidance for obtaining samples from the mass for histopathological evaluation.

In comparison, other modalities like X-rays are not as effective for soft tissue evaluation since they primarily visualize dense structures such as bones. CT scans can be useful for soft tissue assessment but often involve more radiation exposure and may not provide the same level of detail in soft tissues as ultrasound does. MRI is excellent for soft tissue contrast and differentiation but is often more expensive, less accessible, and not as quick as ultrasound, making it less practical for initial assessments of soft tissue masses in many cases.