Introduction to Bone Tumors

Abstract

Focal lesions in bone are encountered frequently during everyday clinical practice. While some lesions are true neoplasms, many represent benign entities. Determining which lesions require evaluation and which should be left alone can be a daunting process. On occasions, the imaging appearance is pathognomonic or highly suggestive of a specific entity; thus, imaging can play a determinative role in clinical management. Although the ultimate goal is always to arrive at a definitive correct diagnosis, this is often not possible based on the available clinical and imaging data. In practice, it is important to provide a short, reasonable list of relevant diagnoses, making sure that malignant tumors are not inappropriately omitted and that benign lesions are not overtreated. In order to do this effectively, it is important to understand some basic principles regarding the evaluation of bone tumors and their characteristic imaging features.