A 6-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Office for Evaluation

A 6-year-old boy is brought to the office for evaluation of a neck lump.  His mother first noticed the mass 2 weeks ago while he was experiencing cold symptoms.  His nasal congestion and fever resolved within several days with symptomatic treatment, but the mass failed to improve.  The patient was born at full term without pregnancy complications and has been healthy until now.  He has received all recommended vaccines and takes no medications.  The patient is afebrile, and height and weight are at the 60th percentile for his age.  Physical examination shows a 1.5-cm, soft, mildly tender mass in the midline upper neck.  It moves up and down when the patient swallows; there are no other neck masses.  The nasal turbinates are pink with no rhinorrhea, and the tonsils are normal with no erythema or exudates.  The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities.  Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's condition?

A) Embryologic anomaly
B) Glandular duct obstruction
C) Granulomatous inflammation
D) Neoplastic proliferation
E) Reactive lymphadenopathy
F) Suppurative bacterial infection

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free