[Superficial bone metastases: report of two cases from colonic origin]

Two cases of superficial bony metastases from colonic adenocarcinoma are reported. The plain film, CT and MR features are presented. The diagnostic imaging features and differential diagnosis are discussed. Superficial bony metastases are rare (2% of bony metastases) and only the characteristics of cortical bone vascularization allow to understand the superficial origin at the level of the cortex or subperiosteum. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice to characterize the tumor site and local extension. Diagnosis is suspected by clinical history and confirmed at biopsy.