Distinguishing “real” neoplastic tumors from “tumor-like” lesions of the central nervous
system is important to treat children properly, to predict outcome and prognosis,
and to avoid unnecessary medical treatment or surgical interventions. Neuroimaging
plays a key role in the correct differentiation between both entities. Pediatric radiologists
should be aware of all non-neoplastic lesions that may mimic tumors. High-end anatomic
and advanced magnetic resonance imaging as well as the correlation with history and
clinical findings facilitate differentiation between both entities. The aim of this
pictorial review is to review the neuroimaging manifestations of the most common “tumor-like”
lesions affecting the pediatric brain.
Keywords
Tumor-like lesions - central nervous system - pediatrics - MRI
