Neck lumps (masses) are common
problems in babies and children. Some neck masses are present at birth (congenital).
They result from abnormal formation that occurs in the early stages of an unborn baby's
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. A neck mass can affect other structures in the head and neck area. But
most
of these masses are not cancer (benign). Cancerous neck masses are rare in young babies
and children. Sometimes a mass is diagnosed as Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin disease. These
are
both cancers of the lymphatic system.
Your child's healthcare provider
will think about many factors when diagnosing a neck mass. These include the
following:
-
The child's age
-
How long the mass has been
there, and if there are other masses
-
Family history of masses
-
Any past or ongoing
illnesses, ear infections, or animal bites
An exam of neck masses may
include:
-
Carefully looking at and
feeling the child's neck
-
Finding the exact location of
the mass
-
Checking for movement of the
neck and the mass itself
-
Looking for swelling,
redness, warmth, tenderness, drainage, or fluid in the mass
Your child may have other tests,
such as blood work or a biopsy. These may be needed to completely diagnose the type
of
neck mass and see if other neck tissues and structures are affected. Treating neck
masses depends on the type of mass and if there is infection. Often surgery is needed
to
remove the mass.