Imaging Features of Bone Tumors

Imaging bone tumors often causes uncertainty, especially outside dedicated sarcoma treatment centers. Conventional radiography remains the backbone of bone tumor diagnostics, but MR imaging has a role. Radiographs are crucial for assessing the tumor matrix and aggressiveness. MR imaging is the best modality for local staging. This article reviews semiological aspects of bone tumors: patient age, tumor localization, pattern of bone destruction/margins, aggressiveness, growth speed, matrix formation, periosteal reaction, cortical involvement, size, and number of lesions. All aspects are discussed in terms of their appearance on radiographs and MR imaging, with a focus on the correlation between the 2 modalities.