RT Book, Section A1 Tunkel, David E. A1 Perkins, Jonathan A. A2 Rudolph, Colin D. A2 Rudolph, Abraham M. A2 Lister, George E. A2 First, Lewis R. A2 Gershon, Anne A. SR Print(0) ID 7034446 T1 Chapter 373. Head and Neck Masses T2 Rudolph's Pediatrics, 22e YR 2011 FD 2011 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-149723-7 LK accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=7034446 RD 2024/11/10 AB Head and neck masses commonly occur in young children, and the differential diagnosis for such masses is broad. The initial history and physical examination usually provides sufficient information to narrow the possible causes of a swelling in a child’s head or neck. This should direct the subsequent evaluation and initial therapy. While the majority of these head and neck masses are inflammatory in nature, congenital abnormalities and neoplasms can occur and often require surgical intervention for diagnosis and treatment. In one review of children with head and neck masses that were biopsied or excised, 55% had congenital lesions, 27% had inflammatory masses, and 14% had a benign or malignant neoplasm.1 A thorough evaluation of a child with a head and neck mass is necessary to prevent delay in diagnosing a malignancy and to allow appropriate medical or surgical treatment of persistent benign diseases.