Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Bone Tumors

Abstract

Imaging is the key to diagnosing and guiding management of bone tumors. Although radiographs are the gold standard for initial imaging evaluation and may make the diagnosis, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are important adjunct tools for further characterization as a benign or aggressive lesion, accurately determining matrix composition, assessing lesion extent as well as secondary involvement of nearby structures if malignant, and staging tumors when applicable. In this article, we will highlight important features of CT and MR imaging for bone tumor evaluation and review the cross-sectional imaging features of a broad spectrum of benign and malignant bone tumors.