Ultrasonic evaluation of pediatric superficial masses.

Mechanical sector scanning using a balloon and electronic scanning using transrectal probes were applied in the diagnosis of pediatric superficial masses. In 135 cases of pediatric superficial masses definitely diagnosed by surgical findings and histopathologic examinations, a comparative investigation was performed between the surgical and histopathologic findings and ultrasonographic findings. Among these 135 cases, 117 of the masses were benign, and 18 were malignant. By means of these scans, it was possible to diagnose correctly not only the size and shape of the mass but also the internal characteristics. However, it was difficult to determine if the mass was benign or malignant.