Imaging of Lumps and Bumps in Pediatric Patients: An Algorithm for Appropriate Imaging and Pictorial Review

Superficial lumps and bumps are a common presenting complaint in the pediatric patient population. Although encountered frequently, the path to a definitive diagnosis is not always a straightforward one. Imaging offers a valuable tool to aid in this diagnostic challenge. Radiologists must be familiar with pediatric lumps and bumps, their imaging characteristics, and the best way to further evaluate challenging clinical presentations. This will not only allow the radiologist to serve as a valuable asset to the treating physician in choosing the most appropriate imaging modality but also help in accurate diagnosis, all while ensuring the “image gently” principle. An algorithm for imaging in the pediatric patient with lumps and bumps has been presented in this article and a few example entities along with their imaging findings have also been reviewed.