The 'sunburst' periosteal reaction on radiograph is MOST characteristically associated with which bone tumor?
- A Giant cell tumor of bone
- B Osteosarcoma ✓
- C Ewing's sarcoma
- D Chondrosarcoma
Correct answer: B. Osteosarcoma
Explanation
The sunburst or sunray periosteal reaction is the hallmark radiological sign of osteosarcoma, resulting from new bone formation along the periosteal vessels as the tumor rapidly elevates the periosteum in a radiating pattern. Ewing's sarcoma classically shows an 'onion peel' (lamellated periosteal reaction) and permeative lytic pattern. Giant cell tumor is an epiphyseal lytic lesion with a soap-bubble appearance and no periosteal reaction. Chondrosarcoma shows stippled calcification (chondroid matrix).
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.