| Popis: |
The suspicion or diagnosis, even if it is nonspecific, of an abdominal mass in a child raises concern and anxiety. The pediatric radiologist may be the first person either to suspect or to diagnose a mass, quite commonly by ultrasonography (US). Therefore, adequate psychological interaction with the patient and the parent(s) is part of his or her professional competence. The findings should generally not be discussed while the examination is underway. Specific diagnostic statements should be avoided, even by the experienced examiner. Caution should be exercised before giving preliminary histological and prognostic hypotheses. The involved clinician, possibly the oncologist, should be informed promptly about the morphological findings and the information exchanged between the examiner and the patient and/or accompanying parent(s). This regards the situation of a suspicious mass that has been demonstrated and where a malignant process might exist or be likely. If the mass turns out to be a hydronephrosis or a similar obviously benign process, such concerns are less relevant. |
