[Diagnostics and treatment of primary bone tumors]

Primary bone tumors can be either benign or malignant. Metastization is a characteristic feature of malignant bone tumors. Malignant tumors are characterized by a local aggressive and destructive behavior. The behavior of a tumor is dependent on its entity, the differentiation grade and localization and these factors are of decisive importance for the correct therapy. Even benign tumors can behave very aggressively. Different stages are defined. Patient history and conventional radiographs are the most powerful primary diagnostic tools. Many tumors show typical characteristics and if a malignant lesion is suspected a biopsy should be carried out. Several quality standards have to be respected when making the biopsy. The approach to malignant tumors is always interdisciplinary. Several biological as well as alloplastic reconstruction techniques exist. The treatment of primary malignant bone tumors requires a lot of experience and should only be done in specialized centers.