Four Types of Misdiagnosis of Soft-Tissue Tumours: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Soft-tissue tumours are commonly encountered in patients visiting outpatient plastic surgery clinics. Although only a small proportion of these tumours are malignant, misdiagnoses may occur in various clinical contexts. This case series aimed to illustrate the diagnostic challenges associated with soft-tissue tumours and highlight that thorough assessment of the patient’s medical and surgical history, combined with appropriate laboratory investigations, forms the foundation of accurate diagnosis. Additionally, establishing radiological–pathological correlation may help prevent unnecessary surgical interventions and reduce healthcare expenditure. Active patient involvement in the diagnostic process may also mitigate distress in the event of misdiagnosis.