Congenital Cystic Neck Masses

Abstract

Congenital cystic masses are commonly encountered when imaging a patient presenting with a neck mass. Congenital cysts are present at birth; however, these cysts may not present until later in life with some growing slowly and others rapidly increasing in size due to hemorrhage of infection. A neonatal presentation is rare but when present may allow a narrower differential diagnosis. Imaging plays a significant role in defining a lesion as cystic, assessing location, and directing the next step in evaluation and or intervention.

Keywords: Branchial; Congenital; Cyst; Dermoid; Imaging; Lymphatic; Pediatric; Thyroglossal.