Imaging of Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors and Tumor-like Conditions

Abstract

Lumps and bumps are frequently seen in children, and the vast majority are a result of trauma, infection, or inflammation. True soft tissue neoplastic lesions are rare; however, their wide and complex classifications make these lesions challenging to manage. Imaging features are usually nonspecific, and a reasonable list of differential diagnoses can be generated following consideration of the clinical presentation, age, and anatomical location of the lesion. In this article, we offer a practical approach to diagnosing such lesions by discussing the most common three benign and malignant lesions in different anatomical regions stratified by age with emphasis on certain features that might aid in the diagnosis such as depth, multiplicity, calcification, or other specific imaging feature.

Ultrasound performance in pediatric deep soft-tissue tumor characterization

“…However, due to calcification presented in few cases, our classification did not distinguish between coarse or minimal calcification, and we also considered intralesional phleboliths as calcification. Previous studies have suggested that certain malignant masses, such as neuroblastomas, are more likely to exhibit calcification 25 , 26 . Therefore, radiologists should carefully evaluate calcification as it may carry diagnostic significance.…”