Publication:

Clinicopathological study of pediatric neck masses

Background Pediatric neck masses are a reason for anxiety for both patients and doctor as there can be chances of malignancy. There are few established guidelines for evaluation. The etiology is varied so a thorough knowledge of clinical presentation is essential.

Methods A clinicopathological analysis of 150 cases of neck masses in children upto 12 years of age attending the outpatient clinic between Jan 2015 to June 2016 were included.

Results Maximum cases of reactive lymphadenopathy were found in our study 81 (20.7%), 23 (14.7%) thyroglossal cyst, 22 (14.7%) suppurative lymphadenopathy, mycobacterial lymphadenitis 20 (13.3%), dermoid cyst 17 (11.3%), branchial cyst 15 (10%), tubercular abscess 10 (6.7%), 3 cases (2%) each of Hodgkins lymphoma, lipoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma were seen. FNAC was conclusive in 140 cases (93.4%).

Conclusions Percentage wise inflammatory etiology was the commonest (55.4%) followed by congenital (38.6%) and last was neoplastic (6 %). An orderly and sequential approach is needed to manage pediatric masses.