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A neck mass is a lump, bump, or swelling in the neck. They're common in children.
Some neck masses are present at birth (congenital neck masses) due to abnormal formation during the early stages of pregnancy.
Most neck masses are benign (not cancer). Cancerous neck masses are rare in children, but they can occur.
Doctors can find neck masses by sight or touch. Many first appear during an upper airway infection like a cold.
Some neck masses grow quickly and cause pain. Others grow slowly and do not cause pain.
Neck masses in children can occur because of problems forming the structures in the neck during:
Before your child's next doctor visit, you should note:
You'll want to share and discuss these notes with your doctor during your child's visit.
ENT doctors at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will go through your child's medical history and do a thorough exam. Sometimes, bloodwork or imaging tests can help diagnose your child's neck mass.
If your child has had any tests before you visit, please provide results to your doctor.
Common types of neck masses fall under these main groups:
TGDCs are the most common type of neck mass present at birth. You can see or feel TGDCs early in children, but may not notice them until they become infected. Infected cysts can be red, warm, painful, and cause a fever. These common neck masses have mucous-like fluid and often connect to the: Deep part of the tongue Hyoid (structure in middle part of the neck) Thyroid TGDCs can cause thyroid cancer, but this is rare. Treatment normally involves surgery of the cyst, hyoid, and tract.
TGDCs are the most common type of neck mass present at birth.
You can see or feel TGDCs early in children, but may not notice them until they become infected. Infected cysts can be red, warm, painful, and cause a fever.
These common neck masses have mucous-like fluid and often connect to the:
TGDCs can cause thyroid cancer, but this is rare.
Treatment normally involves surgery of the cyst, hyoid, and tract.
Branchial cleft neck masses: Can be cysts (fluid-filled pouches) or sinuses (opening(s) to the skin, throat, or both). Occur when structures in the neck fail to form normally. Can form on either or both sides of the neck. Are not cancerous, but can get infected repeatedly.
Branchial cleft neck masses:
Dermoid cysts: Are pockets or sacs under the skin that contain tissues normally present in the skin. Can occur at birth, early infancy, or later. Are not cancerous, but can grow and sometimes become infected.
Dermoid cysts:
This type of neck mass is: The most common neck mass in infants. Often seen at two to four weeks of age. A benign (not cancer) mass inside the large angled muscles on both sides of the neck). Doctors treat this neck mass with physical therapy.
This type of neck mass is:
Doctors treat this neck mass with physical therapy.
These include: Salivary gland (spit glands) Throat cartilage or bone Tendons that connect muscles to bone or cartilage You seldom see or feel these normal neck masses.
These include:
You seldom see or feel these normal neck masses.
This lymph node infection: Is the most common cause of neck mass in children. Occurs when lymph nodes (structures that help filter and fight infections) become enlarged, often in response to bacteria or viruses. Can sometimes cause the lymph nodes to become abscesses (pus-filled sacs).
This lymph node infection:
This salivary gland infection: Can cause neck masses in children. Occurs when viruses and bacteria cause the salivary glands (spit glands) under the chin or in the cheek to swell and ache. UPMC is a leader in salivary endoscopy.
This salivary gland infection:
UPMC is a leader in salivary endoscopy.
Treatment depends on the type of neck mass. Doctors may decide to observe your child’s mass, while other types of masses may need more testing or surgery.
We'll discuss your treatment options with you after your child's exam at UPMC Children’s.
Call us at 412-692-5460 to learn more about our pediatric neck masses services.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
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