Pediatric SurgeryHead & Neck Services

Symptoms may include:

A noticeable, painless lump on one side of the neck that may increase in size, sometimes becoming infected which can lead to redness, tenderness, and drainage.

Symptoms may include:

A lump in the neck that is usually painless but may become tender or inflamed if infected. These cysts are typically noticed as a child grows.

Symptoms may include:

Soft, typically large, lump on the neck or head of an infant that may be present at birth or noticed shortly after. It can vary in size and may grow larger over time. In some cases, it might cause problems with breathing or swallowing, depending on its size and location.

Symptoms may include:

• rapid heart rate
• weight loss despite an increased appetite
• excessive sweating
• heat intolerance
• in some cases, a noticeable enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck (goiter)
• behavioral changes such as increased nervousness or irritability

Symptoms may include:

The specific symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of abnormality but generally include:

• visible lumps
• swelling
• irregularities in the neck area such as:
  • discomfort
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • breathing
  • sometimes, changes in voice or sounds of breathing

Symptoms may include:

• weakness
• fatigue
• muscle cramps or spasms
• mood changes
• in more severe cases, changes in heart rhythm or bone development issues

Symptoms can vary widely depending on whether the condition leads to hyperparathyroidism (increased calcium levels) or hypoparathyroidism (decreased calcium levels).

Symptoms may include:

For thyroglossal duct cysts:

• a palpable, usually painless, midline neck lump that moves with swallowing or protrusion of the tongue
• If the cyst becomes infected, symptoms can include:
  • pain
  • redness
  • swelling.

For thyroglossal duct sinuses:

• may present as a small opening in the midline of the neck, often with intermittent drainage or discharge, especially if there is an infection.

Symptoms may include:

• a lump or swelling in the neck
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• a change in voice
• a persistent cough not associated with a cold

Unlike adults, children might have more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer, and the disease can present with lymph node involvement at diagnosis.

Symptoms may include:

Thyroid nodules in children may not always produce noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do present, they can include:

• a visible lump in the neck
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• less commonly, changes in thyroid hormone levels leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Symptoms may include:

The symptoms can vary widely depending on the location of the ectopic tissue. Commonly, it may not cause any symptoms and might be discovered incidentally. However, if the ectopic thyroid tissue is the only functioning thyroid tissue the individual has, symptoms of hypothyroidism can occur, such as:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• cold intolerance
• growth delays in children

In cases where the ectopic tissue is located in the tongue (lingual thyroid), it can cause:

• difficulty swallowing
• a feeling of fullness in the throat
• breathing difficulties

Symptoms may include:

Symptoms of thyroiditis in children can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the type of thyroiditis.

• Initially, children may experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as:
  • weight loss
  • increased appetite
  • nervousness
  • a rapid heartbeat.
• As the condition progresses, it often leads to hypothyroidism, with symptoms including:
  • fatigue
  • weight gain
  • cold intolerance
  • constipation
  • potentially delayed growth and development
  • the thyroid gland may be enlarged (goiter), which can be a physical sign of thyroiditis

Symptoms may include:

The most obvious symptom is the head tilting towards one shoulder, with the chin pointed towards the opposite shoulder. In infants, this may be noticed as a preference for looking in one direction, difficulty turning the head due to muscle tightness, or a palpable lump in the neck muscle. Torticollis can also affect feeding and facial symmetry if not treated.