Imaging Analysis of Malignant Bone Tumor in Scapula

Objective: To summarize the types and imaging features of malignant bone tumors of scapula. Materials and methods: From April 2006 to December 2018, the preoperative X-ray and CT, MRI data of 18 cases of malignant scapular tumors confirmed by surgical pathology (male to female ratio: 14: 4, average age: 47 years old) were collected for retrospective analysis. Results: Metastatic tumors were more common in scapular malignant bone tumors (9/18, 50%), most of which were metastatic from lung adenocarcinoma. Ewing's sarcoma was also more common in this area (3/18), with small bone lesions with periosteal reaction and calcification, and large soft tissue masses are common manifestation. The second was solitary plasma cell tumor (2/18). Some of the lesions developed slowly and expanded, showing a low-grade malignant process. Magnetic resonance imaging (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced MRI are helpful to distinguish chondrosarcoma from osteosarcoma. In addition to osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, epithelioid angioendothelioma should also be considered in the presence of radial periosteal reaction. Conclusion: Combined use of X-ray and CT, MRI can improve the preoperative diagnosis rate of scapular malignant tumor.