{"id":161,"date":"2018-06-11T17:48:30","date_gmt":"2018-06-11T17:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~comprehe\/?page_id=161"},"modified":"2018-12-19T22:15:38","modified_gmt":"2018-12-19T22:15:38","slug":"neck-masses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/comprehensiveentva.com\/pediatrics\/neck-masses\/","title":{"rendered":"Neck Masses"},"content":{"rendered":"

A number of masses may develop in your child\u2019s head or neck; these masses may also be called growths, tumors, lumps or bumps. While some head and neck masses are cancerous, many are not. It is important to see a physician if any abnormal bump or lump persists for more than three weeks. If a cancer is present, early detection provides the highest chance of successful treatment.<\/p>\n

What Causes Neck Masses?<\/h2>\n

There are numerous causes of head and neck masses:<\/p>\n

Enlargement of lymph nodes<\/h3>\n

This is the most common cause of new neck masses. Lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system, can enlarge when the body rallies to fight an infection. When the infection recedes, lymph swelling subsides as well.<\/p>\n

Benign lesions<\/h3>\n

Benign masses do not spread to surrounding tissue and are not cancerous. Nevertheless, benign masses can be serious if they impact nerves or exert pressure in the head and neck, and are often removed surgically. These include cysts, thyroid masses, vascular masses, salivary gland masses and others.<\/p>\n

Cancers<\/h3>\n

When head and neck masses are malignant they can spread to surrounding tissue or to other parts of the body. <\/p>\n

Primary tumors can originate in the neck, including the thyroid, throat, larynx or salivary gland. Primary tumors of the head and neck typically spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.<\/p>\n

Children who have been exposed to radiation, either during medical treatments or from nuclear radiation sources, are at considerable risk for thyroid cancer and should be screened yearly.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Head & Neck Masses<\/h2>\n

You should see your physician if your child experiences any of the following symptoms: <\/p>\n