Radiologic staging of thoracoabdominal tumors in childhood

Thoracoabdominal tumors of childhood include a pathologically diverse spectrum of neoplasms. Improved survival for many of these once lethal malignancies reflects current multimodality approaches to treatment based on the combined experience of specific tumor study groups. The choice of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation depend on accurate clinical and radiologic staging based on determination of tumor extent and the feasibility of surgical resection. Advanced cross-sectional and scintigraphic imaging techniques have enhanced the accuracy of radiologic assessment and staging. Established pathologic patterns of local extension and more distant dissemination, as well as the relative sensitivity and specificity of applicable imaging modalities determine radiologic approaches to radiologic staging of specific neoplasms.