Radiology Cases Sclerotic Metastases in bone LSBU

Description: Sclerotic metastases are easily identified on the plain film, except when their density is interpreted as other overlying structures or pathology, perhaps osteoarthrosis. The microscopy of affected bone usually shows a proliferative bone reaction to the spread of tumour over the bone trabeculae. This results in the visible diffuse sclerosis of the affected bone. Often close inspection will reveal an area of bone destruction. The prostate is the commonest source of sclerotic bone metastasis. Its frequency and tendancy to newbone formation both contribute. Breast is the more common sclerotic metastasis in females. Most tumours can form sclerotic deposits at some stage, even myeloma. Usually, the mucinous tumours are more likely than other primaries. The most likely area of bone involvement is that most vascular portion or the red bone marrow.
In the spine, the pedicles are potentially, the most vascular part of the vertebra and a more common site of metastatic involvement. Radiologists look for pedicles; their disappearance will suggest metastasis.