To present and discuss the most common lesions that mimic bone tumors in conventional radiology. Review these pathologies with illustrative images exposing their main findings. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of this technique when approaching these lesions.

Focal bone lesions are quite common and are often found on routine examinations. The etiology of these lesions is variable and includes vascular disorders,inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, post-traumatic conditions, among others. Some lesions in the musculoskeletal system may be mistaken for tumors due to their appearance on physical examination and radiological examination. Conventional radiology is recommended as the initial imaging modality for the investigation of these lesions.This technique is an essential and quite accessible tool. However, it has limitations, such as overlapping anatomical...

PSEUDOLESION Commonly encountered pseudolesion that may give the impression of true osteolytic or cystic lesions on plain radiographs. (Fig. 1/Fig. 2) FIBROUS DYSPLASIA Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous pseudotumor in which normal bone is replaced with fibrous tissue permeated with immature heterogeneous trabecular bone. It can be monostotic or polyostotic and affects the immature skeleton. Radiographic features may include well-defined radiolucent lesions, with a characteristic intralesional ground-glass aspect and narrow zone of transition, frequently with a reactive sclerotic rim forming the so-called “rind sign”.(Fig....

Radiography is the single most helpful imaging modality when establishing the initial differential diagnosis of bone tumors. This reviewdescribed a wide variety of tumor-mimicking lesions involving the musculoskeletal system.These lesions can be a challenge for the radiologist so it is crucial to be aware of these various mimetic conditions. Radiologists play a key role in differentiating these lesionsfrom bone tumors to avoid unnecessary additional examinationshelping the clinicians to reach a final diagnosis.

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