[Skeletal manifestations of malignant, nonosseous tumors in childhood]

Skeletal involvement in childhood nonosseous tumors can be due to primary involvement, arrosion or metastasis, secondary due to therapy induced alterations or osteomyelitis following diminished immunity. The occurence of bone changes differs widely from those in adults. Neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and malignant lymphoma are discussed in detail. Rare tumors are listed for synopsis. As diagnostic screening method skeletal scintigraphy is recommended, whereas in localized disease X-rays should be performed. Beside roentgenmorphology-particularly in primary disease-localisation, frequency and age dependency may give essential diagnostic hints. Prognosis depends on primary tumor.