Integrated imaging of hepatic tumors in childhood. Part I: Malignant lesions (primary and metastatic).

Both the prognosis and treatment of hepatic tumors in children depend upon the histological diagnosis and the extent of disease. Recent advances in imaging techniques permit characterization of specific tumors and differentiation from other intrahepatic processes. An integrated imaging protocol involving a combination of ultrasound, computed tomography, and scintigraphy often provides a high degree of accuracy. Patterns derived from 40 cases of hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, monotypic small-cell sarcoma, and metastatic tumors are discussed and an algorithm for evaluation of hepatic tumors in children is presented.