Surface primary bone tumors: Systematic approach and differential diagnosis

Surface primary bone tumors may appear similar to their intramedullary counterpart, but because they are rare, they may pose diagnostic challenges when showing different characteristics compared to their intramedullary counterpart. It is important for radiologists to recognize the imaging findings for various uncommon surface primary bone tumors, which may help to reduce the differential diagnosis or to lead to a specific diagnosis. Radiography is typically used for first-line imaging. If necessary, it is followed by CT or MRI for evaluation and characterization of surface bone tumors. The aim of this article is to review the imaging findings and differential diagnosis for surface primary bone tumors.