Pediatric Neurosurgery in Primary Care: Masses of the Scalp and Skull in Children

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2021 Aug;68(4):743-757. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2021.04.003.

Abstract

There are a wide variety of scalp and skull lesions that can affect the pediatric population, many of which are first encountered by primary care physicians. The differential consists of a broad range of more common congenital lesions, sequelae of trauma, and vascular anomalies, to very rare neoplastic processes. It is important to understand signs and symptoms that may indicate whether a lesion may be benign versus life threatening, what imaging studies are appropriate and how to interpret them, and when to seek referrals to specialists.

Keywords: Extracranial lesion; Pediatric; Scalp lesion; Skull lesion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / pathology
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / surgery*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Scalp / pathology
  • Scalp / surgery*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery*