Causes of neck swelling in children

Written by Dr JK Avhad MBBS MD [ Mumbai ]

If you notice a swelling over neck of your child, following could be the common causes:

• Infections: Swollen lymphnodes is common cause.
  • Viral infections: Common cold flu.
  • Bacterial infections: Throat infections, sinus infections, ear infections, dental infections.
  • Other rare infections: Like cat scratch disease.
• ⁠Cysts: These are fluid filled sacs.
  • Congenital cysts: These are since birth, like branchial cleft cysts, dermoid cysts.
  • Thyroglossal cysts: Located in midline of neck just above the thyroid gland.
• ⁠Vascular malformations: These are since birth, like Lymphovenous malformations, AV malformations.
• Thyroid gland diseases: Goitre, thyroid nodules.
• ⁠Salivary gland diseases: Infections, duct calculi.

Less common causes:

• Tumors: Most of the tumors in neck region of children are benign in etiology.
• ⁠Rare infections: Like TB, HIV.

When to consult doctor:

Its always better to consult the doctor for accurate diagnosis and further treatment of swelling over neck of your child.

Whom to consult:

You can consult to pediatric surgeon or head neck surgeon or ENT surgeon.