Fibromatoses of childhood: the spectrum of radiographic findings

Fibrous tumor of childhood include several disorders with variable biologic behavior. In the review by Coffin and Dehner [1] of 190 soft-tissue neoplasms in 183 children, 27% were fibroblastic or myofibroblastic in origin. Although nearly all fibrous lesions are benign, they may be locally aggressive. The purpose of this essay is to describe clinical characteristics and to illustrate radiologic features of commonly encountered fibrous lesions of childhood. Familiarity with the presentation and variable appearance may aid the radiologist in suggesting the diagnosis of fibromatosis.