Our team of pediatric surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating various head and neck conditions. Whether congenital or acquired, we’re dedicated to providing expert care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
What is it?
A thyroglossal duct cyst is the most common neck condition that your child can be born with. It can look like a painless lump in the upper neck, which may move when swallowing or sticking out the tongue. They can become infected, which is why we recommend removing them when they are diagnosed.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made through a physical exam. An ultrasound can be used to confirm the cyst and ensure the thyroid gland is normal.
Treatment
Surgery (the Sistrunk procedure) removes the cyst and its associated duct under general anesthesia. Infections must be treated first. Children may go home the same day as the procedure or stay overnight. Recurrence is rare, but possible.
Follow-Up Care
Post-surgery instructions will include wound care and activity guidelines. Pain is managed with over the counter medications. Follow-up appointments occur 2-4 weeks after surgery.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your doctor if signs of infection (redness, swelling, or fever), neck swelling, or other concerns arise.
Branchial Cleft Cyst
What is it?
This neck condition your child is born with is from abnormal development of the different glands and structures on the side of the neck. Most commonly, it appears as a painless swelling or a small skin opening that may intermittently drain fluid.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a physical exam and ultrasound. CT or MRI may be needed for unclear cases.
Treatment
Surgery removes the cyst or sinus under general anesthesia, with infections treated first. The procedure lasts 1-2 hours, and your child may go home the same day or stay overnight. Recurrence risk is low.
Follow-Up Care
Wound care and pain management instructions will be provided, and a follow-up visit is scheduled 2-4 weeks post-surgery.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your doctor if signs of infection (redness, swelling, or fever), neck swelling, or other concerns arise.
Thyroid Disease
What is it?
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and other body functions. Conditions include thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, which may present as lumps, fatigue, or mood changes.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, blood tests, and ultrasounds. A biopsy may be recommended for thyroid nodules.
Treatment
Certain thyroid conditions require surgery to remove a portion of the thyroid or the entire thyroid. Our group has a specialty program dedicated to specifically taking care of children with surgical thyroid conditions, led by Dr. Jeffrey Horwitz.
Follow-Up Care
Post-surgery care includes monitoring hormone levels, wound care, and medication for those with full thyroid removal. A follow-up visit occurs 1-2 weeks post-surgery.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your doctor if signs of infection (redness, swelling, or fever), neck swelling, or other concerns arise.
Thyroid Surgery Program
Although thyroid disease is less common in children compared to adults, occasionally surgical issues arise. Most commonly this is for an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or a concerning thyroid nodule. Treating pediatric thyroid disease requires a multidisciplinary approach. As the lead surgeon of our Thyroid Surgery Program, Dr. Jeffrey Horwitz works closely with our partners in pediatric endocrinology, pediatric radiology and pediatric pathology.
In addition, because recent studies have suggested that high volume thyroid surgeons (performing > 30 cases/year) have improved outcomes, Dr. Horwitz has partnered with Dr. Teresa Kroeker, one of the region’s leading adult thyroid surgeons. This collaboration between pediatric surgeons and a high-volume adult thyroid surgeon optimizes the care of children with surgical thyroid disease conferring the benefits of both a high volume thyroid surgeon and high volume pediatric surgical care.