Spine Oncology: Imaging and Intervention

Abstract

Osseous metastases are the most common spine tumor and increasingly prevalent as advances in cancer treatments allow patients to live longer with their disease. Evidence-based algorithms derive the majority of their data from imaging studies and reports; the radiologist should understand the most current treatments and report in the language of the treatment team for efficient and effective communication and patient care. Advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI are increasingly used for diagnosis and problem solving. Radiologists have a growing role in treatment of patients with metastatic disease, performing cement augmentation and tumor ablation.

Keywords: Ablation; Diffusion-weighted imaging; Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging; Epidural spinal cord compression scale; Kyphoplasty; Metastatic disease; Spinal instability neoplastic score; Spine.