Imaging of gastrointestinal malignancy in childhood

Gastrointestinal malignancies in children are a rare and diverse group of neoplasms. Presenting signs and symptoms are nonspecific, but age at presentation and the presence of an elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein can provide helpful clues in tailoring a differential diagnosis. The role of imaging is to localize and characterize the tumor and define resectability. Plain films, ultrasound, and CT scans are the primary modalities employed, with MR imaging utilized in equivocal cases.