Radiological symptomatology of primary malignant bone tumors

The main radiological procedure for recognition of bone tumors is the plain film. The roentgen morphology of malignant neoplasms frequently is so characteristic that the grade of aggressivity may be evaluated and classification is possible. Even pathologists specialized in osteology do not diagnose a microscopic section without knowing the radiological findings. The so-called 'leave me alone lesions' are so characteristic in the plain film that bone biopsy and/or surgical intervention are not necessary. Further procedures like angiography and computed tomography will not influence the specific diagnosis but determine the exact site of the lesion, its spread into the surrounding soft tissue and bone marrow. (orig.)