Pediatric Head and Neck Masses: Avoiding Pitfalls and Optimizing Outcomes

Pediatric head & neck masses are commonly seen in every otolaryngology office and are often benign congenital lesions, infections, or reactive lymphadenopathy. As neck masses carry a small but devastating risk of malignancy, and as their surgical complications bring significant cosmetic and functional consequences, there is little room for error in the diagnostic and therapeutic management. We will review the complex decisions in the clinical management of pediatric head and neck masses regarding imaging, tissue sampling protocols, timing of surgery, malignancy risk, or anesthetic concerns, and counseling. We will discuss some of the nuanced intraoperative considerations that can optimize outcomes and prevent complications.