Update of cartilaginous tumours according to the WHO classification 2020

Abstract

Cartilaginous tumours are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterised by the presence of a chondroid matrix, with lobular growth and arcuate, ring-like or popcorn-like calcification patterns. MRI shows hyperintensity in T2-weighted sequences and a lobulated or septal relief in postcontrast images.

In the WHO 2020 classification, chondral tumours are classified as benign, intermediate or malignant. Despite technological advances, they continue to pose a challenge for both the radiologist and the pathologist, being the main difficulty the differentiation between benign and malignant tumours, which is why they require a multidisciplinary approach.

This paper describes the main changes introduced in the 2020 update, describes the imaging characteristics of the main cartilaginous tumours and provides the radiological keys to differentiate between benign and malignant tumours.