children s health issues
Neck Masses in Children
Introduction
Neck masses are swellings that can be seen or felt in the neck. Neck masses are extremely common among children. Themost common causeof neck mass in children is One or more enlarged lymph nodes ( see also Neck Lump ) A lymph node may enlarge for the following reasons: It is infected (called Lymphadenitis ). There is an infection nearby, for example, in the throat. There is a general infection of the body (such as Infectious Mononucleosis , of neck masses include a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) that has been present from birth but is noticed only after it has become inflamed or infected. Neck masses may also result from swelling due to a neck injury, inflammation of the salivary glands, or noncancerous (benign) tumors. Sometimes, enlargement of the thyroid gland (called a Congenital Goiter ) may cause a neck mass. Rarely, Most neck masses cause no symptoms and are of greater concern to parents than to the children who have them. However, infected lymph nodes or cysts are tender and painful and may cause a fever. 