It is very common for children to have enlarged tonsils and adenoids, typically from an infection or inflammation. Children very rarely develop cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma in these areas. See our Tonsils and adenoids section for more information.
The lymph nodes of the neck region may become enlarged during childhood. Most of the time, this is related to inflammation or infection. However, if the lymph nodes remain enlarged for a period of time without going away, have an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon evaluate the problem.
Other benign growths in the face and neck include cysts (fluid collection) such as:
- branchial cleft cyst
- thyroglossal duct cyst
- cystic hygroma
- dermoid cysts
These cysts often need to be removed due to their continued growth and potential for infection.
Growths of blood vessels often are seen in the face and neck, referred to as hemangiomas, vascular malformations, lymphatic and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Some of these may require removal or treatment, depending upon the type and location.