A child has a lump under the skin on his neck: what kind of ball could it be and how to treat it?

Manifestation of lymphadenitis

In the body of adults and children there are typical filters that retain and neutralize foreign pathogenic microorganisms. These filters are called lymph nodes. They are not visually distinguishable; normally they are small and painless to the touch. When an inflammatory process begins in the body, the lymph nodes grow in size and begin to hurt. When immunity decreases, the inflammatory process drags on and the lymph nodes themselves become inflamed, which in medical practice is called lymphadenitis. This pathology is one of the most common among children ( in general, a person during childhood
) from 1 year to 6 years. Thus, the lymphatic system of this age group does not have time to mature morphologically and multifunctionally.

Lymphadenitis is more difficult for children to tolerate than for adults; occurring in acute (up to 14 days), or subacute (from 14 to 30 days), or acquired (more than 30 days) forms. In inflamed lymph nodes there can be different pathological configurations: accumulation of pus (purulent lymphadenitis); accumulation of infiltrate (serous lymphadenitis), necrosis, as a result of which the lymph nodes melt, a purulent process that spreads to the soft tissues of the neck (phlegmon). With lymphadenitis, the lymph node enlarges so that on the outside it looks like a lump under the skin. It is placed on the side of the chin, maybe on both sides. Lymphadenitis is considered regional, with inflammation of only the cervical, or submandibular, etc. lymph nodes, generalized - with inflammation of all lymph nodes at once.

The prerequisite for lymphadenitis may be infection in other organs (for example, tonsillitis, tracheitis, otitis media, etc.); trauma that stimulates disruption of the integrity of the lymph node. For these reasons, lymphadenitis occurs in children under 6-7 years of age; after this age, the lymphatic system becomes mature and not so sensitive to pathogenic microorganisms (a living body that has a set of properties that distinguish it from inanimate matter, including metabolism, self-sustainment of its structure and organization, the ability to reproduce them with

). In older children and adults, lymphadenitis, as a rule, occurs against the background of pathological actions in the dental system (caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, etc.). The listed conditions cause nonspecific lymphadenitis. Thus, pathologies for which inflammation of the lymph nodes is not typical become a prerequisite for lymphadenitis only in cases of aggravation. But with tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, brucellosis, syphilis, herpes, etc., lymphadenitis is a common symptom.

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Widespread purulent lymphadenitis is accompanied by a lump, the skin over which is hyperemic. With lymphadenitis, body temperature constantly increases, chills occur, sleep may be disturbed, weakness occurs, etc. With tuberculous lymphadenitis, which lasts a long time, the inflamed nodes gather in one dense package, reminiscent of a collar.

If the process is started, then the pathological changes spread to the tissues adjacent to the lymph nodes, with a possible transition to the blood or to an acquired form. A lump on the neck will appear with each exacerbation of the acquired form.

Which doctor treats swollen lymph nodes behind the ears in children?

If a child's lymph nodes are swollen, you should first consult a pediatrician. The doctor will conduct an examination, palpating the suspicious lymph node, assessing its size and presence of pain. Having suspected an infectious disease, the specialist will write out a referral for tests and examinations: general and detailed blood tests, general urinalysis, ultrasound.

If necessary, the pediatrician will refer you for consultation to a specialized specialist. For example, if enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s neck occur due to inflammation of the gums, the child will be referred to a dentist.

Why might a bump appear on your head?

Bumps on the head occur for various reasons. Most often this is mechanical damage, the result of a blow or insect bite. Such a lump appears extremely quickly, as swelling of the tissue occurs. She is sick, but over time she goes away on her own.

In all other cases, the lump should definitely be shown to a doctor; it needs treatment or observation. Probable prerequisites for the occurrence of a cone ( a modified shoot that develops at the ends of the branches of gymnosperms (conifers and some others) in the form of small formations covered with scales

):

• neoplasm (atheroma ( sebaceous gland cyst - a tumor-like formation resulting from blockage of the sebaceous gland duct
  ), fibroma, hemangioma, lipoma);
• inflammatory process (enlarged lymph nodes, ulcers);
• congenital pathology (cephalohematoma).

What could a lump on the neck be?

It's hard to find a symptom less noticeable than a lump on the side of your neck. A person sees this part of the body every day, and any neoplasm here makes one wary. The proximity to the brain and the abundance of blood vessels in this area causes fear of possible operations.

Do not put off visiting a doctor: modern medicine is able to identify and correct the defect that has arisen quickly and safely. Unless, of course, you start the disease. To have an idea of ​​what to expect at your appointment, you need to know the most common causes of tumors in the neck area.

Lipoma

This is the most harmless reason why a lump appears on the side of the neck on the right or left. In common parlance it is called a wen, and it is often advised not to treat it. This benign formation is an accumulation of excess fatty tissue under the skin.

Lipomas are painless to the touch; their fairly soft contents easily move under the skin when pressed. And although it may not undergo changes for years, in the same way, a lipoma can quickly grow and cause considerable inconvenience, both due to its spoiled appearance and pressure on internal tissues. Treatment of such formations is usually performed surgically in the clinic.

Atheroma

Atheroma is considered a more dangerous neoplasm. As a result of blockage of the sebaceous gland, a cyst is formed in which fatty substances and epithelial cells accumulate. If a lump appears on the neck close to the scalp, then most likely this is atheroma. Outwardly, they are similar to lipomas, but such a compaction, despite elastic mobility, is attached to the damaged gland, whose duct can be seen as a dark dot in the center.

The tendency of atheromas to suppurate poses a great danger. They rapidly increase in size, become painful, and their contents with pus come out

In this case, it is very important to completely remove the cyst capsule to prevent recurrence.

Fibroma

Fibroma is a dense, rounded bulge with clear boundaries. The color of the skin on such a painless lump almost does not change, only sometimes a slight pinkish tint is observed. The appearance of this benign neoplasm is influenced by hereditary predisposition, but it can also occur as a result of injury or inflammation. The lump grows slowly and rarely turns into a malignant tumor. Removal is only possible through surgery, but it does not require hospitalization and is completed in a few minutes.

Neurogenic tumors

A specific lump on the neck to the right or left of the spinal column, which does not respond to pain when pressed, can be formed by a neurogenic tumor. This is a type of cyst that has arisen on the borderline parasympathetic trunk of the nerve or its branch. The cause of the appearance may be trauma, and the growth of these dense and mobile neoplasms depends on their location. Most often, cysts of various natures appear on the neck: neuromas, neurofibromas or ganglioneuromas.

Furuncle

If hygiene rules are not followed, the immune system is weakened, or hypothermia is present, boils may appear. This purulent inflammation of the hair follicle can also occur due to pathogenic bacteria entering damaged skin. In this case, under the skin on the neck, the lump is almost not noticeable at first, but the place of its occurrence is indicated by severe itching and pain when pressed. Within 3-4 days, swelling appears, in the center of which a dense purulent core forms. The boil is treated only surgically, under the supervision of a doctor, with long-term monitoring of the wound remaining at the site of inflammation. Self-medication threatens blood poisoning, and if the infection reaches the sinuses of the brain through the vessels, it can even lead to death.

Enlarged lymph nodes

Determining inflammation of the lymph nodes is quite simple. The lump on the side of the neck on the left or right near the ear or under the lower jaw is inactive, very dense and hurts not only when palpated. Its appearance is associated with increased temperature, headache and general weakness. Most often, lymph nodes become inflamed when the immune system is weakened or as a complication of an infectious disease. But the absence of pain with inflammation of the lymph node can signal a malignant tumor: lymphogranulomatosis or lymphocytic leukemia.

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What formations hide danger?

The following types of neoplasms require urgent medical intervention:

• Atheroma is similar to a lipoma, but unlike it, it often becomes infected and turns red, and can also increase in size. It is this moment that poses a health hazard, since there is a danger of fistula formation and pus leaking into nearby tissues.
• A median cyst is a congenital benign round formation located on the front of the neck. Up to a certain point, it may not bother the child, but in 60% of cases it becomes inflamed with the formation of a fistula, causing pain and discomfort when swallowing. In addition, the cyst is prone to degeneration into cancer.
• Neurogenic tumors are formed at the ends of nerve trunks and represent a wide range of neoplasms. They can be safe, but malignant formations can also occur. Under no circumstances should they be left without the attention of a doctor.
• Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's lymphoma) is cancer of the lymph nodes. The first symptom of this cancer is expressed in enlarged lymph nodes, but they do not hurt and slowly enlarge.

The otolaryngologist makes conclusions about the safety of formations only after conducting a comprehensive examination. It is impossible to do this on your own.

Lump under the back of the head

There are several different reasons why painful lumps may form under the skin on the back of your head. This may be inflammation of the lymph nodes or enlargement of the salivary glands, as well as atheroma or lipoma, which sometimes begin to hurt.

An inflamed lymph node is one of the causes of painful lumps

The reasons associated with enlarged lymphatic nodes or salivary glands can be as minor as an allergic reaction or quite serious, such as oral cancer.

The reason why the lymph nodes in the cervical region are inflamed may be bacteria. But there are also cases when viruses are to blame, which can be a symptom of the following diseases:

• Rubella
• Herpes
• AIDS
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Viral pharyngitis

Additional causes that may contribute to swelling in this area include:

• Allergic reactions
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Allergy to medications
• Oral cancer
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
• Food allergies
• Leukemia
• Thyroid disease

A lump on the back of the head can also be painful or not, depending on whether it is benign or malignant. The actual cause can only be determined through a medical examination.

You can always try proven home remedies to get rid of bumps that are not dangerous to your health.

However, it is important that the doctor conduct a preliminary examination of this formation

There are a number of different reasons for the appearance of balls and lumps behind the ear. They also tend to come in a variety of shapes. Lumps in this area may be harmless, while others are a sign that something serious is going on in your body.

A bump on the back of the head behind the ear can often be caused by swollen lymph nodes. They are an essential part of the immune system, acting as a biological filter and usually enlarge when an infection enters the body.

Pimples behind the ear can occur when pores or hair follicles become clogged. Although it is rare, the possibility that acne can appear behind the ears cannot be ruled out.

1. Infections

Infections that can cause swelling in the throat can also cause a lump. Mononucleosis is one of the main diseases, which is accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears, and the throat also swells.

1. Abscesses and cysts

Abscesses (boils) and cysts are very similar in that they are both fluid-filled structures. The distinguishing factor is that an abscess is filled with pus, while a cyst most often is not. Abscesses can develop due to an infection or foreign body in the ear.

1. Atheromas

1. Mastoiditis

There are mastoid processes of the temporal bone, which are located directly in the area behind the ears. An ear infection can spread to this bone in some cases. The result will be swelling and a lump behind the ear.

These bumps may appear due to an injury you recently suffered. They can also form due to a torn or strained muscle tendon. Symptoms of this:

• Swelling near the neck
• Sensitive areas on the neck and back of the head
• Pain in the shoulders, neck and upper back
• Neck muscle stiffness

Additionally, growing osteomas (abnormal hard bone growths) may also be associated with headaches.

Some hard lumps may appear on the back of the head and remain there for several months or even years. Those that form in this area are usually inactive. Although they are benign in many cases, they can also be malignant.

If you notice a hard lump under the skin on your head that is not a regular bruise, it was not soft before and does not go away over time, then it may be:

1. Osteoma is a benign bone tumor that is known to occur in this area
2. A dermoid cyst is a rare tumor consisting simultaneously of various hard tissues, among which hard tissues may predominate. It can be diagnosed in a child. It is usually benign and does not hurt, although it can become infected.

Osteoma is a solid formation of bone tissue.
There are many reasons for the appearance of lumps at the junction of the neck and back of the head, as mentioned above.

You can probably feel the lymph nodes along the side of your neck. They may swell in this area, which leads to the appearance of lumps and balls. You may experience itching or pain in the area around the lymph node.

Causes of papilloma on the neck

If you notice thread-like, flat or knob-like formations on your neck, which tend to increase in number, then most likely you are talking about infection with the human papillomavirus - HPV.

This infection is very common among the population of any age, that is, the virus can live in the body of both an infant and an elderly person.

Several routes of transmission of the virus have been established: sexual, contact and from a woman to her child at the time of his birth.

HPV easily passes from an infected person to another when using the same clothes, towels, washcloths and other items. You can become infected with it in public places where it is warm and high humidity, naturally these are swimming pools and baths.

More than a hundred strains of the virus are known, and a person can be the owner of several of them at once. It is the strains of the virus that determine the external manifestations of the virus, its localization, and the likelihood of developing a malignant process.

After infection, a latent stage of the disease begins, during which the virus does not manifest itself in any way. With good immunity and the absence of serious diseases, the human body can cope with the infection itself during this time.

If this does not happen, then under the influence of provoking factors the virus is activated, invades epithelial cells and changes their functioning, the result of which is the appearance of growing growths on the skin or mucous membranes.

Factors that provoke activation of the virus on the body, including the neck, include:

• Significant decrease in immune function.
• Avitaminosis.
• Exposure to excess sunlight.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive system, dysbiosis.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Poor nutrition with a predominance of too fatty, fried foods, and smoked semi-finished products in the daily diet.
• Nervous fatigue.

Types of tumors

Papillomas

This is a disease that manifests itself as external cutaneous growths 0.1−1 cm in height. As a rule, papillomas on the back or front of the neck do not tend to degenerate. This only occurs due to frequent trauma to the skin on the neck or chemical exposure. Basically, only simple papillomas appear in this part of the body. The following signs are characteristic:

Papillomas in the neck area can grow and are fraught with suppuration.

• develops on the upper layers of the dermis;
• color: from light flesh to dark brown;
• age category: senior and elderly people;
• slow growth of tumors;
• suppuration and ulcers, which indicate the beginning of the process of degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.

Neuromas

This disease is considered rare. It is a tumor that is formed from nerve fibers in the neck. A type of neuroma is neurofibroma (due to the presence of a fibrous substance in the growth). The tumor is localized in the upper neck in elderly people. Characteristic features:

• the appearance of sensitivity in the tumor area;
• slow growth;
• oval shape of the tumor;
• there is pulsation and an increase in temperature, characterized by pain;
• sometimes when you press on a neuroma, the pulse slows down;
• When a neuroma grows into the shoulder, shooting pain appears.

Lymphangioma

This is a neoplasm, the cells of which are formed from the walls of lymphatic vessels. The tumor body is a cavity in which lymphatic fluid accumulates. Found on the sides of the neck. Therapy includes surgical removal of the growth and systematic observations in the clinic. Signs:

• soft texture to the touch;
• compression in size when compressed, and restoration of shape after;
• no pain;
• small sizes.

Fibroma on the neck

This neoplasm is benign in nature. Consists of connective tissues. Diagnosis is easy in the initial stages, so there is always a chance to prescribe optimal treatment in time and avoid further development. To accurately determine the diagnosis, the doctor performs a puncture of the tumor. Therapy includes surgical removal and x-rays. Symptoms:

• localization of the growth: both sides of the neck;
• nodular fibromas are smooth on the outside and have a dense texture to the touch;
• variety of sizes;
• if there is a fatty component inside the tumor, they are called fibrolipomas;
• diffuse fibroma has clearly defined edges and develops in the capsule.

Chemodectoma

A very rare disease that occurs from the expansion and proliferation of blood vessels and nerve cells. Has the ability to degenerate into cancer. Women are more likely to get the disease. Symptoms: slow tumor growth, oval shape, pain as it increases in size. It can be pressed into the carotid artery, causing pulsation. You can remove the growth using a surgical scalpel, but sometimes this is impossible because the tumor envelops the blood vessels.

Lipoma on the neck

Formed from adipose epithelium. This is a common disease that affects the head and neck area. They get rid of it by surgery, but due to the blurred edges, it can be difficult to completely remove. Signs of illness:

Wen can pop out on the neck and cause discomfort when moving.

• location in different parts of the head: neck, back of the head, sides;
• acquires large sizes;
• the texture is soft to the touch inside, sometimes dense and elastic;
• have a smooth surface and shine when illuminated;
• develop without pain.

Warts

Small skin growths in the form of columns, oval bulges on the base in the form of a stalk. They are benign. Color varies from light flesh to dark brown. Neoplasms are no larger than 0.1 cm and can grow singly or in multiples. Skin warts on the neck in women are called papillomas.

Not all neck lumps are associated with infection.

The lump can be from various types of cysts, abnormal growths of blood vessels, scar tissue, or - in rare cases - tumors or cancer. The location, consistency and color of the lump or the skin around it can give clues as to what it might be.

Congenital cysts

Young children often have small neck cysts, which are benign (noncancerous) pockets of tissue that form before birth and can enlarge over time. They are called congenital cysts. They can cause recurring infections and may require surgical removal.

Common types of congenital cysts:

• Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common type of congenital neck cyst. They are usually located in the front of the neck and are formed from cells left behind when the thyroid gland develops in the womb.
• Gill cleft cysts form when areas of the head and neck do not connect exactly before birth. They are often located below one or both ears or on the sides of the neck. These cysts may not be noticeable until later in childhood or adolescence.
• Dermoid cysts can occur when layers of skin do not form properly during fetal development. These slow-growing cysts may contain trapped sweat glands, hair follicles, and other types of cells commonly found in the skin.

Deep hemangiomas

Sometimes bumps on the neck are a type of mole called a hemangioma, a growth of blood vessels under the baby's skin. They may be noticeable at birth and increase rapidly by the first birthday. Deep hemangiomas appear softer than cysts, and the skin over them may appear reddish. Although they often go away by the time the child reaches school age, your pediatrician may recommend treatment if it begins to cause rapid growth or other symptoms.

Torticollis “pseudotumor”

Some children with torticollis, a tightness on one side of the neck, develop a pseudotumor on the large muscle that connects the head, neck and sternum. The lump is often made up of scar tissue where the muscle was damaged in the womb or during childbirth. This usually becomes noticeable between birth and 8 weeks of age. Your pediatrician may provide a referral for physical therapy, which includes gentle heat, massage, and passive stretching.