The radiology of Askin tumours

The Askin tumour is a highly malignant primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) of the chest wall occurring in children and young adults. We describe three cases to illustrate the clinical and radiological aspects of this tumour, which are not well documented. Patients present with a chest wall mass, pain and constitutional symptoms. Radiology demonstrates a large soft tissue chest wall mass, local rib erosion and pleural effusion. Recurrence tends to be local chest wall, pulmonary or skeletal. The prognosis is poor. Askin tumours must be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest wall masses in children and young adults.