title: Evaluation of head and neck masses.
abstract: There is always concern for a malignancy or other serious disease when a child presents with a chief complaint of a neck mass. However, a neck mass in child is commonly inflammatory or congenital rather than neoplastic. A complete history and physical exam will often provide enough information to guide management and reassure the concerned parents. In some cases, laboratory tests, radiologic studies or a surgical procedure may be necessary to determine a specific diagnosis and treatment plan. An organized and systematic approach is recommended and detailed in this review.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, 60614, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Koempel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maddalozzo
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity