Percutaneous needle biopsy of the irradiated skeleton.

Authors:
  • BEB Edeiken
    B Edeiken
  • LDL A Desantos
    L A Desantos
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Abstract
Percutaneous needle biopsy was performed in 20 patients who had radiologic abnormalities after irradiation [for cancer therapy] of the skeleton. The biopsies were performed to determine the nature of the bone changes and to differentiate radiation necrosis from metastases or local tumor extension. Eleven patients had tumors, 2 of which were radiation-induced sarcomas; 9 patients did not show evidence of tumor. One patient had osteomyelitis rather than the suspected tumor. The value of percutaneous needle biopsy in the postirradiated skeleton is discussed.