Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
[Sternocleidomastroid inflammatory pseudotumors of muscle in children]
I Sudre-Levillain1, R Nicollas, S Roman
1Service d'ORL pédiatrique, fédération ORL, hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France.
Insights
Sternocleidomastoid tumors of infancy are benign neck masses in newborns that often resolve with physical therapy. Surgery is reserved for persistent cases unresponsive to conservative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Context:
- Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy (SMI) is a common pediatric neck mass.
- Diagnosis and management of SMI can be challenging for clinicians.
Purpose:
- To retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes of SMI.
- To evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy and surgical intervention for SMI.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 12 infants with SMI revealed firm, lower sternocleidomastoid muscle masses.
- Ultrasonography confirmed soft tissue masses independent of great vessels; biopsy showed benign fibrous lesions.
- Eleven infants improved with stretching exercises; one required surgery due to unsuccessful physical therapy.
Impact:
- SMI typically resolves spontaneously within 4-8 months, often associated with congenital muscular torticollis.
- Physical therapy is the primary treatment, with surgery indicated for refractory cases.
- This study highlights the favorable prognosis of SMI with appropriate management.
Patients And Methods:
The files of 12 children presenting with a sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy at the Timone Children's Hospital in Marseille between 1990 and 1999 were retrospectively studied. All of them underwent physical and ultrasonographic examination.
Results:
The mass was firm, within the lower two-thirds of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Ultrasonographic examination showed a soft tissue mass independent of the great vessels. Biopsy revealed a benign fibrous lesion. Eleven children were treated with stretching exercises and a surgical therapy was performed for one in whom physical therapy was unsuccessful.
Conclusion:
The sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy is a lateral neck mass affecting children between the ages of two and four weeks. Most of the time it spontaneously resolves in four to eight months. It may be associated with congenital muscular torticollis and requires physical therapy. Surgery should be reserved for children who have failed with this treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
01:31Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...