Tumor-like bone lesions include various conditions of a non-neoplastic nature originating from or affecting the bone as solitary or sometimes multiple bone lesions. This review discusses the most important cystic tumor-like lesions, such as simple bone cyst, aneurysmal bone cyst, intraosseous ganglion, epidermoid cyst and subchondral cyst. MR is the most sensitive method of detection, and is the most accurate in depicting the extent of involvement of these lesions. MR signal characteristics may aid in differential diagnosis. Conventional radiographs are often more specific with respect to the underlying histopathology.