The role of xerography in the diagnosis of primary bone tumors

Xerography can be applied successfully as a primary examination if a tumour of bones or the soft tissue is suspected. In fact, in only a small percentage of the cases does it provide less information than traditional radiography. The improvement imaging of the bone tumours and their possible expansion into the soft tissue makes the diagnosis easier. It also simplifies the determination of the exact location of a necessary biopsy and the surgical or radiosurgical therapy. Finally, xerography can be applied with the same brilliant results in the post-treatment of the tumour patients after surgery or during or after radiotherapy. Thus it is possible to modify the therapy, for example by reducing the size of the irradiated area in the case of bone tumours reaching into the soft tissue. (orig./APR)