Diagnosing neck masses in children

Abstract

Neck masses are common in the paediatric population and can cause diagnostic challenges due to various differential diagnoses as summarised in this review. Neck masses in children are divided into the following categories: congenital, inflammatory/infectious and neoplastic masses. The neck masses are generally benign, but malignancy should be considered if the child is presenting with certain symptoms and findings. The objective of this review is to increase the knowledge of the common differential diagnoses of neck masses in children and to provide guidance of indications for diagnostics and treatment.