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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...

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