Neck masses
Neck masses are common problems in infants and
children. Some neck masses are congenital (present at birth) and result from
abnormal formation during embryonic development. Many neck masses appear with an
upper respiratory infection such as a cold or sinus infection. Some are not
found until they become enlarged and painful from infection.
Although a neck mass can involve other structures in the head and
neck area, most are benign (non-cancerous). Cancerous neck masses are rare in
young infants and children, but occasionally a mass is diagnosed as Hodgkin's
or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma—both cancers of the lymphatic system. Even more rare are malignancies
such as sarcoma located in the neck.
Your child's physician will consider many factors when diagnosing a neck
mass, including the following:
- The age of child
- How long the mass has been present, and whether other masses are present
- Family history of masses
- Any prior or ongoing illnesses, ear infections, and/or animal bites
Examination of neck masses may include the
following:
- Careful visualization and palpation (feeling with the fingers) of the
child's neck
- Identifying the specific location of the mass
- Checking for movement of the neck and the mass itself
- Observing for swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, drainage, or fluid in
the mass
Further tests may be needed to completely diagnose the type of neck mass and
whether other tissues and structures in the neck are involved. Treating neck
masses depends on the type of mass and whether there is infection. Often,
surgical removal of the mass is needed.
See also: The lymphatic system