Learning objectives
• To review the imaging techniques for the evaluation of head lumps in children.
• To describe image findings of lesions affecting the skull and the scalp in the pediatric population,
in order to make a correct differential diagnosis.
• To presentthe most relevantcases of pediatric head lumps.
Background
The palpation of a lump in the head of a child is a common reason to seek medical attention.
Those lumps include a wide spectrum of conditions,
both benign and malignant.
The clinical appearance is usually unspecific,
so,
imaging plays a crucial role in narrowing diagnosis and guiding potential future interventions.
Radiologists attending a child with a head lump must know the appearance of the most frequent benign lesions affecting the skull in order to avoid further unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
It is also very important...
Findings and procedure details
In the presence of a lump in the head of a child,
first of all,
we should try to narrow the differential diagnosis with relevant clinical data,
such as whether the lesion was present at birth or not,
if there is a history of trauma,
if it is stable orgrowing.
Unfortunately,
in the majority of cases,
the clinical history is confusing and unspecific.
Imaging techniques:
Radiographic images are usually unspecific and only lesions with bone involvement can be demonstrated.
B-mode and color Doppler ultrasound (US)are...
Conclusion
There is a wide spectrum of conditions,
both benign and malignant,
that can present as a head lump in the pediatric population.
Radiologists attending a child with a head lump must know the appearance of the most frequent benign lesions affecting the skull in order to avoid further unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
Ultrasound (US) is the first-line modality of choice.
In some cases,
further evaluation with CT or MRI should be done.
References
Bansal A,
Rosenberg H.
Sonography of pediatric superficial lumps and bumps: illustrative examples from head to toe.
Pediatr Radiol.
2017;47:1171–1183.
Morón F,
Morriss,
M.
Jones,
J.
Hunter J.
Lumps and Bumps on the Head in Children: Use of CT and MR Imaging in Solving the Clinical Diagnostic Dilemma.
RadioGraphics.
2004; 24:1655–1674.
Caffey J.
Caffey´s pediatric diagnostic imaging.
12ª edición.
Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2013.
ISBN: 978-0-323-08176-4.
Marjolein D,
Aylin S,
Donna D,
Thierry H.
Lumps and Bumps of the Neck in Children—Neuroimaging of Congenital and Acquired...