Mass located in the head and neck region are basically divided into two groups: benign (benign - non-cancerous) and malignant (malignant - cancer). Head and neck masses seen in the pediatric age group are generally benign and the most common causes are infections, tissue swelling (edema), congenital tissue remnants or cysts, lymph node enlargements and benign tumors. Although malignant tumors pose a danger as a result of growth, spread and affecting vital organs, they can often be treated with appropriate methods.
The most common benign masses in the pediatric age group are adenoids and large tonsils. The incidence of a malformed tumor in these regions is extremely low. Careful evaluation is required if the growth is asymmetrical or unilateral.
Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck is a common condition in children and they almost always occur secondary to infections.
It is common in the head and neck. Another group of benign masses are cysts with fluid accumulation inside them. These are pathologies such as branchial cleft cysts and thyroglossal duct cysts, dermoid cysts and cystic hygroma, which occur when some structures that should disappear before birth do not disappear but become cysts. It is recommended that they be surgically removed when diagnosed because they cause discomfort due to mass effect, pose a risk of infection, and turn into malignant masses in the long term. The most common masses of blood vessels are hemangiomas, lymphatic and arteriovenous malformations.
Masses originating from the nose and sinus:
They usually cause complaints of nasal congestion and bleeding. The most common malignant masses encountered in children are soft tissue-derived rhabdomyosarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Nasopharynx angiofibroma, a benign mass seen especially in boys in adolescence and before, causes frequent nosebleeds. Due to its potential for regional growth, it may cause pressure and spread on surrounding important anatomical structures.
Nasal polyps are observed less frequently in children than in adults. Children with dense polyps should be evaluated for cystic fibrosis. Again allergic rhinitis and allergic fungal sinusitis These are diseases that can cause polyp formation in the nose.
Another mass observed as a polyp in the nose is meningocele, which occurs when the brain membrane herniates into the nose through the congenital bone openings on the roof of the nose. The herniated tissue may be only the meninges (meninges) or there may be brain tissue along with it (meningoencephalocele). This possibility should be taken into consideration in all children with a single polyp in the nose and appropriate radiological evaluations should be made when making a treatment decision.
Salivary gland tumors:
In front of the ear (parotid), under the chin and sublingual saliva. The glands are grouped as major, and many small salivary glands located in the mouth are grouped as minor salivary glands.
Masses of the thyroid gland:
The thyroid gland is located in the anterior midline of the neck. Although thyroid masses are extremely rare in children, detailed evaluation is necessary.
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