"Tumor-like" lesions of the pediatric brain

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.