Primary malignant tumors of the spine are rare and mainly include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor, and osteosarcoma. The final diagnosis is based on the combination of patient age, topographic and histologic features of the tumor, and lesion pattern on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Imaging evaluation includes radiography, CT, bone scintigraphy, and MR imaging. CT is more useful than radiography for evaluating location of the lesion and analyzing bone destruction and matrix, whereas MR has unmatched ability to assess soft tissue extension. This pictorial review provides an overview of the most prevalent primitive malignant tumors of spine.

Cystic hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. It may affect any organ and tissue in the body, in particular the liver and Lung. Musculoskeletal or soft tissue hydatidosis accounts for about 0,5%–5% of all echinococcal infections in endemic areas and is almost secondary to the hepatic or pulmonary disease (Karaman et al., 2011; Dirican et al., 2008; Kouskos et al., 2007). Case Presentation. We report an unusual case of primary subcutaneous hydatidosis in the left supraclavicular region of the neck. A 53-year-old female patient was admitted with three-month history of pain and gradually growing mass located in the left supraclavicular region. Physical examination revealed a moderately hard, painful, and erythematous mass. The blood cell count was normal. Computed tomography demonstrated, a multilocular cystic lesion with thin borders and thin wall. The mass is binocular and extends to the scapula. CT showed no involvement of the lung. From these signs, the patient was diagnosed as having abscess (bacterial infection or tuberculosis). The diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection was made per operatively after visualization of the cyst wall and the daughter cysts. Following irrigation of cystic cavity with hypertonic saline solution, the cyst wall was excised along with a portion of surrounding tissue. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the hydatid origin. Hemagglutination tests for Echinococcus and ELISA were negative. Ultrasound of the abdomen was normal. The patient received albendazole (400 mg/day) for 8 weeks postoperatively. No sign of recurrence could be detected by physical examination and imaging (CT) at 4-month followup. Conclusion. The case illustrates that echinococcal disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every cystic mass in every anatomic location, especially when it occurs in endemic areas.

The resection of malignant tumors often poses the challenge of reconstruction. The objective of this reconstruction is the restoration of a function. We present the case of a chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the ulna in a 27-year-old patient. The resection sacrificed part of the ulna. The conservation of part of the olecrane allowed an innovative reconstruction to be carried out by bringing the radial head into contact with the humeral trochlea. The preservation of elbow function was satisfactory.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a primitive neuroectodermal tumor. It's usually a primary bone tumor but rarely occurs in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Current literature reports only a few isolated cases or small series. To date, less than 100 cases have been reported. The diagnosis is made by aspiration cytology, histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, cytogenetics and molecular genetics of translocations. Cutaneous ES has better prognosis than primary bone or soft tissue ES with a survival rate of 91% in 10 years. The presence of metastasis is really rare. Currently, no specific recommendations to primitively cutaneous Ewing tumors, these latter are treated as bone Ewing's sarcomas: neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy (+/− radiotherapy), and autologous bone marrow transplantation in high risk patients. We report a new case in a 20-yearold female with a lesion in the left elbow.