Publication:

Study on usual presentation of unusual neck masses in paediatric population

Background A neck mass is defined as an abnormal lesion (congenital or acquired) that is visible, palpable, or seen on an imaging study. Neck masses are common in adults, but often the underlying etiology is not easily identifiable.

Methods Total of 36 patients (24 males and 12 females) who fulfill the above criteria were collected over 1-year and enrolled in this study. The clinical history was obtained from the parents or the proxy of the patients. Each patient was physically examined and a proper laboratory and/or radiological investigations were carried on to achieve the definite diagnosis.

Results According to the aetiology, the inflammatory category was the main group accounting for 16 cases (44.4%), followed by the congenital category 9 (25%), neoplastic 8 (22.2%), and then the non-inflammatory non neoplastic 3 (8.3%). Thyroglossal duct cyst was the most common congenital mass observed in 4 (11.1%) cases, followed by branchial cleft cyst, cystic hugroma, hemangioma and finally dermoid.

Conclusions The differential diagnosis of the pediatric neck mass includes a wide array of congenital, inflammatory, benign and malignant lesions.