Imaging and staging of bone and soft tissue tumors: Fundamental concepts

The radiologic evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors has undergone dramatic evolution with the advent of computer-assisted imaging; specifically, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Despite the use of these sophisticated imaging modalities, the objectives of initial radiologic evaluation remain unchanged: detecting the suspected lesion, establishing a diagnosis, or, when a definitive diagnosis is not possible, formulating an appropriate differential diagnosis, and determining the radiologic staging of the lesion [1]. As a detailed discussion of all bone and soft tissue tumors is well beyond the scope of this review, we will highlight fundamental principles that should serve as a guide to the initial evaluation and staging of primary musculoskeletal neoplasms.