Differential diagnosis of benign tumors and tumor-like lesions in the spine. Own cases and review of the literature.

Although benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the spine are shown in every orthopedic teaching book, it is often surprising how little attention is paid to the differential diagnosis and diagnostic investigations, respectively, since surgical treatment and postoperative control depends on exact diagnosis. Clinically the importance of this fact can not be over-emphasized. The most common complaint is pain, either local or radicular in nature. Bone deviations are diagnosed radiologically. Different types of benign bone tumors and tumor-like lesions of the spine including osteochondroma, osteoblastoma, osteoid osteoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, eosinophilic granuloma, hemangioma, and giant cell tumor, their appearance relation to the age and location in the spine were reviewed and the common histologic subtypes described. Clinical, laboratory and histopathologic findings, radiologic inclusive MRT and scintigraphic features are evaluated. Diagnostic investigations including the invasive techniques of CT guided needle biopsy, Yamshidi needle biopsy and costotransversectomy for biopsy are shown. Treatment including radiation, chemotherapy and the surgical procedure as well as the postoperative treatment of patients with benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the spine are discussed.