Congenital head and neck masses are cysts or lumps in the neck, face, scalp, or ear that are present at birth or in young children. Typically, these masses should be removed to prevent infection. There are three common types of congenital head and neck masses: dermoid cysts, branchial cleft cysts, and thyroglossal duct cysts.
· Dermoid cysts are usually located on the scalp, face, or neck.
· Branchial cleft cysts commonly develop in the neck of young children.
· Thyroglossal duct cysts are lumps in the middle of the neck under the chin.
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Symptoms are fairly straightforward: lumps or bumps anywhere near the scalp, neck, and/or head.
A congenital head and neck mass can be diagnosed through a physical exam, ultrasound, CT scan or imaging, biopsy, or removal.
Treatment for each of these types of congenital head and neck masses include surgically removing the legions to prevent infection. These cysts are usually benign or noncancerous.
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