Xeroradiography was used for the study of 233 cases of bone and soft tissue tumors, both benign and malignant, 177 of which were histologically proven. In 150 cases, comparative x-ray films were also available. In bone tumors, xeroradiography was more effective than film radiography in 33 cases (44%), less effective in 16 cases (22%) and the 2 techniques were substantially equivalent in 25 cases (34%). In soft tissue tumors, xeroradiography was more effective than film radiography in 59 cases (78%), less effective in 2 cases (3%) and equivalent in 15 cases (19%). Xeroradiography is held to be a useful second-line technique in selected bone tumors, in particular for the study of trabecular structure, periosteal calcifications and cortical bone. In the field of soft tissue tumors, xeroradiography can be a promising first-choice examination in the presence of a mass or when a recurrence is suspected. The advantages and drawbacks of this technique in both types of tumors are reviewed and discussed.