Imaging findings of gastrointestinal tract tumors in children and adolescents

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors are rarely seen in children and adolescents, and can easily be misdiagnosed. Lymphoma is the most frequent GI tract tumor, and the common locations are ileum and ileocecal area. GI tract tumors may present as large heterogeneous mass lesions. For gastric and colonic tumors, increased wall thickening usually prompts the diagnosis of GI tract tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging might be used in clinically suspected cases for correct/appropriate diagnosis and management. Awareness as regards the most common tumors and their locations is paramount for radiologists. Likewise, the aim of this article was to define the imaging findings of primary benign and malignant GI tract tumors in children and adolescents.