Neonatal Tumors: Imaging Findings and Differential Diagnosis
A practical, compartment-based approach to imaging neonatal tumors, with key differential diagnoses and reporting priorities for the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, and soft tissues.
RadPhrases Editorial Team2 min read
Tumors presenting in the neonatal period are uncommon and span several organ systems. Age, anatomic compartment, internal tissue composition, vascularity, and evidence of dissemination help narrow the differential. Ultrasound is often the first examination; MRI defines soft-tissue and central nervous system extent, while CT has a selective role when calcification, bone involvement, or urgent staging must be assessed.
Central nervous system
- Teratoma is often large and heterogeneous, with mixed cystic, fatty, and calcified components.
- A pilocytic astrocytoma may appear as a cystic mass with an enhancing mural nodule, although neonatal presentations are variable.