Imaging in Musculoskeletal Oncology: Special Considerations in the Elderly

Radiol Clin North Am. 2022 Jul;60(4):657-668. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.03.008. Epub 2022 May 21.

Abstract

A variety of imaging modalities are used to assess oncologic disorders in the elderly. The composition of bone marrow (BM) and its radiologic manifestation changes physiologically or pathologically while aging. The most important contributing factors include normal aging, oncology-related treatments, and osteoporosis. For accurate image interpretation, a radiologist should take into account these alterations. For evaluating BM and soft tissue abnormalities, MRI is an optimal precise noninvasive imaging modality. The challenges of imaging the elderly patient with the oncologic disease will be discussed in this chapter, focusing on the frequent use of MRI in assessing the bone marrow, bone tumors, and soft-tissue masses.

Keywords: Elderly; Musculoskeletal; Oncology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bone Marrow
  • Bone Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Musculoskeletal System*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms* / pathology