Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

395

Let's face it - 13 unusual causes of facial masses in children

Jacqueline du Toit1, Nicole Wieselthaler2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa. jacqueline.dut@gmail.com.

Insights Into Imaging
|July 20, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Facial swelling in children often indicates infection but can stem from various rare causes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) aids in diagnosing these diverse conditions, including tumors and congenital lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Differential Diagnosis

Background:

  • Facial swelling is a common pediatric presentation.
  • Etiologies range from infection to neoplastic and congenital causes.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present rare causes of pediatric facial swelling.
  • To illustrate imaging findings of diverse etiologies on MRI.
  • To aid in the diagnostic process for unusual cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 136 MRI examinations (April 2007 - May 2013).
  • Selection of 13 cases representing rare conditions.
  • Analysis of imaging findings and clinical presentations.

Main Results:

  • Included HIV-associated malignancies (plasmablastic lymphoma), parotid tumors (hamartoma), congenital lesions (thyroid fetiform teratoma), and infections (mandibular tuberculosis).
  • Demonstrated the utility of MRI in visualizing a wide spectrum of rare facial swellings.
  • Minimal literature available for some imaging findings.

Conclusions:

  • Facial swelling in children has varied causes beyond infection.
  • MRI is the preferred modality for assessing facial swelling.
  • A diagnostic flowchart was developed to assist in rare pediatric facial swelling cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
Facial neoplasmHIVMagnetic resonance imagingPaediatricTumour-like

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy03:13

Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy

Published on: June 28, 2024

1.6K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization09:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Published on: September 20, 2024

3.9K

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.6K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.4K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.2K
Muscles for Facial Expressions01:14

Muscles for Facial Expressions

The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...
5.7K
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
58
Prosopagnosia01:24

Prosopagnosia

Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
1.1K