Head and neck masses are bumps or lumps that appear on the head or neck. They can develop for many different reasons. Most head and neck masses in children are not cancerous.
Would you like to schedule an appointment for Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care?
What are the signs and symptoms of a head or neck mass?
- Lump or bump on the head or neck
- Fever
- Redness or pain in the area
- Skin that looks swollen
What causes head and neck masses?
Head and neck masses can have many causes. These may include:
- Cysts or masses that the child is born with, including:
- Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs)
- Branchial cleft cysts (sinus tracts)
- Dermoid cysts
- Teratomas
- Infections in a gland or lymph node
- Blood vessel growths (vascular lesions)
- Noncancerous tumors, such as neuromas
- Cancerous tumors, such as cancers of the lymph nodes and neck (rare in children)
How are head and neck masses treated?
Treatment for the head or neck mass will depend on the cause. Some masses may need no treatment at all. Others may need surgical or non-surgical treatment.
- Some noncancerous masses or cysts may be treated with medications.
- Cancerous masses may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation with or without surgery.
- Surgery may be needed to remove the mass.
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a head or neck mass.