[Value of conventional roentgen diagnosis and angiography in evaluating bone tumors]

Plain film radiographs are the basic imaging method for bone neoplasms, as the tumor and its relation to the surrounding tissue are shown in good detail. A classification of the destruction patterns enables us to determine the aggressivity of the lesion. Other criteria for diagnosis are periosteal reactions and calcifications in the surrounding soft tissues. Typical radiographic findings enable use to determine the dignity or even to diagnose a specific tumor in combination with the clinical settings. In case of a suspect scintigraphic finding plain film helps in differentiating metastasis from benign lesions. Angiography provides additional information about the extent of vascularization, the feeding arteries and venous situation. The pattern of vascular changes allows to determine the dignity of the tumor. In addition, angiography displays necrotic and the different degrees of vital tumor tissue enabling to define an appropriate site for needle biopsy. Short term follow up can be performed by angiography as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may lead to a decrease in vascularization.