Imaging findings of gastrointestinal tract tumors in children and adolescents

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.

Automated summary

Gastrointestinal tract tumors are rare in children and adolescents, and are often misdiagnosed. Lymphoma is the most common GI tract tumor, frequently found in the ileum and ileocecal area. GI tract tumors typically manifest as large heterogeneous masses. Thickening of the walls in gastric and colonic tumors usually indicates GI tract tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used for accurate diagnosis and management in clinically suspected cases. Radiologists need to be aware of the most common tumors and their locations.