Neck Masses, Pediatric

Nicholas Tsarouhas, MD Reviewed 10/2018

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A mass in the tissues of the neck; cervical adenopathy is defined as a neck node >1 cm.

ETIOLOGY

Varies depending on underlying condition

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose and appropriately manage neck masses, one must combine the history with a careful examination of the mass. The major task of the differential diagnosis is to distinguish infectio...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Infectious neck masses often benefit from warm compresses.
Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy: massage, range of motion, and stretching

MEDICATION

Infectious
- Antibiotics direct...

ONGOING CARE

Close follow-up is essential for all neck masses; consider referral for biopsy in the following cases:

Nodes not responding to antibiotics
Toxic illness/systemic symptoms
Clinical signs of ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Cohen E, Sundel R. Kawasaki disease at 50 years. JAMA Pediatr. 2016;170(11):1093–1099. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]
Friedman ER, John SD. Imaging of pediatric neck masses. R...

CODES

ICD9

784.2 Swelling, mass, or lump in head and neck
785.6 Enlargement of lymph nodes
682.1 Cellulitis and abscess of neck
075 Infectious mononucleosis
759.2 Anomalies of other endocrine glands

ICD10

R2...

FAQ

Q: How should nodes respond to therapy?
A: Consider referral for biopsy if increasing size after 2 weeks, no decrease in size >2 to 4 weeks, or not back to normal >8 to 12 weeks.
Q: Do all ext...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

START 10-DAY FREE TRIAL

Subscribe Now

Forgot password?

Enter an Access Code

GET CME/CE