fuse morphological and functional data are the most sensitive and specific, and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography and PET/magnetic resonance imaging will almost certainly continue to evolve and become increasingly important in this regard. Core tip: Early detection of skeletal metastasis is critical for accurate staging and optimal treatment. This paper briefly reviews our current understanding of the biological mechanisms through which tumours metastasise to bone and describes the available imaging methods to diagnose bone metastasis and monitor response to treatment. INTRODUCTIONMetastasis of malignant neoplasms to bone is common with metastases being far more prevalent than primary bone malignancies [1,2] . Indeed, bone is the third most common organ affected by metastasis, surpassed only by the lungs and liver [2][3][4] , and is the most common site of distant metastasis from primary breast carcinoma [5] . Over the past twenty years, advances in our understanding of tumour biology have led to the development of improved treatment strategies for many cancers. As a result, many patients are living longer with metastatic disease and the incidence of skeletal metastasis is continuing to rise. Based on post-mortem findings, approximately 70% of patients with breast or prostate AbstractEarly detection of skeletal metastasis is critical for accurate staging and optimal treatment. This paper briefly reviews our current understanding of the biological mechanisms through which tumours metastasise to bone and describes the available imaging methods to diagnose bone metastasis and monitor response to treatment. Among the various imaging modalities currently available for imaging skeletal metastasis, hybrid techniques which MINIREVIEWS 202August 28, 2015|Volume 7|Issue 8|

The imaging characterization of adrenal lesions has continued to advance over the past decade as new technologies have evolved. CT, MRI, PET, and PET/CT are now established clinical techniques capable of differentiating benign from malignant adrenal lesions.

The secondary cleft sign demonstrated at MR imaging is a marker of groin injury in athletes presenting with groin pain.

Familiarity with the realm of imaging manifestations of retroperitoneal fibrosis is vital to ensure correct diagnosis and optimal treatment.

Although there is a known increased risk of thromboembolism (DVT and PE) in oncology patients, many cases are not diagnosed, which can prove fatal. Staging CT simultaneously affords one sole investigation of the pulmonary, IVC, iliac, and upper femoral veins, thereby providing an important diagnostic opportunity. Assessment for DVT and PE is important when reviewing staging CT scans.