Lytic bone lesion

Focal area of pathological bone resorption characterized by loss of mineralized bone matrix, producing a radiolucent defect on imaging due to increased osteoclastic activity or destruction of bone tissue.

Causes

• Primary bone malignancies

  • Osteosarcoma

  • Chondrosarcoma

  • Ewing sarcoma

• Hematologic malignancies involving bone

  • Multiple myeloma

  • Leukemia

  • Lymphoma

• Bone metastases from:

  • Lung cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • Renal cell carcinoma

  • Thyroid cancer

  • Prostate cancer

• Benign bone lesions

  • Simple bone cysts

  • Aneurysmal bone cysts

  • Fibrous dysplasia

  • Enchondroma

  • Giant cell tumor of bone

• Infectious causes

  • Osteomyelitis

  • Tuberculosis of bone (tuberculous osteitis)

• Hyperparathyroidism: Brown tumors

• Other causes

  • Trauma-related bone defects

  • Radiation-induced bone damage

  • Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (rare)