Update on the Role of Imaging in Staging of Common Pediatric Abdominal Tumors

Abstract

Neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and hepatoblastoma are the most common pediatric abdominal malignancies. Management of these diseases is a multidisciplinary process that continues to evolve based on the results of international collaborative trials and advances in understanding of tumor biology. Each of these tumors has unique characteristics and behavior which are reflected in their respective staging systems. It is important for clinicians involved in the care of children with abdominal malignancies to be familiar with current staging guidelines and imaging recommendations. This article reviews the current role of imaging in the management of these common pediatric abdominal malignancies, with emphasis on initial staging.

Keywords: Abdominal mass; Cancer imaging; Cancer staging; Computed tomography; Hepatoblastoma; Liver mass; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neuroblastoma; Pediatric oncology; Renal mass; Wilms tumor.