Pediatric neck tumors

What are pediatric neck tumors?

Tumors rarely occur in the necks of infants, children and adolescents. Depending on the type and location of a tumor in the neck, a child might have a lump in the neck or near the collarbone, difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosing and managing tumors in a child’s neck requires knowledge of the many types and subtypes of tumors that occur in children.

What are the different types of pediatric neck tumors?

There are several types of neck tumors:

• Thyroid tumors occur in girls more often than boys and in adolescents or young adults age 15 to 19.

• Midline tract cancer can form in the thymus

• Parathyroid tumors

• Parathyroid gland cancer

• Cancers of the oral cavity and salivary gland occur near the neck, at the base of the throat.

How are pediatric neck tumors diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be made by:

• Ultrasound

• Computed Tomography (CT)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

How are pediatric neck tumors treated?

Treatment of tumors in the neck is complex, often involving critical structures, such as the thyroid gland. Our mission is to make life better for children. We’ll work together with you, our patients and their families to manage rare and complex tumors and assist you with follow-up surveillance and care.