Primary bone sarcomas

Bone sarcomas are rare and require a multidisciplinary approach. Typically patients present with pain or swelling and are usually initially imaged by radiograph, with CT and MRI used for further assessment. CT provides information as to the type of calcification and ossification associated with the lesion, whereas MRI provides information about the soft tissue component and extent of bone marrow involvement. Biopsy is usually required for definitive histological diagnosis and should be performed at a specialist bone sarcoma centre to avoid compromising the surgical field. The most common primary bone sarcomas are osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. We discuss the role of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis, staging, and response to therapy.