**Abstract**

The diagnosis of bone tumors begins with suspicion due to some clinical symptoms or due to image findings. From this point onwards, it should be understood the need for new imaging exams, usually based on whether the lesion is most likely benign or malignant. Some benign lesions have diagnosis defined by simple radiography; others need more detailed investigation. Malignant lesions always need a detailed location and systemic assessment. Malignant primary tumors occur generally in patients under 20 years, while secondary malignant lesions are usually related to patients over 40 years. Biopsy of a bone injury, when indicated, is always the last exam to be performed, generating a histological diagnosis and defining treatment.

**Keywords:** bone, cancer, biopsy, tumor, metastasis, diagnostic
