Assessment of Neurovascular Involvement by Malignant Musculoskeletal Tumors

Determining the presence or absence of neurovascular involvement by a malignant musculoskeletal neoplasm is an important aspect of local tumor staging. This article discusses issues concerning such assessments made by diagnostic imaging techniques, including factors inherent to the patient and those related to imaging technology. The distinction between tumor contact and tumor encasement is emphasized and illustrated.