Miscellaneous head and neck pathology

Abstract This chapter describes the symptoms and management of tongue ties, external angular dermoids, torticollis, and cervical lymphatic malformation. Symptomatic tongue ties should be divided by a lactation consultant between the ages of 3 days and 3 weeks as an outpatient procedure without anaesthesia. Dermoids should be completely removed under general anaesthesia. Midline dermoids need further investigation and referral to ear, nose, and throat surgeons or neurosurgeons. Torticollis is usually congenital, is caused by shortening of the sternomastoid muscle, and may be associated with other musculoskeletal or neurological problems. Physiotherapy is the best treatment. Lymphatic malformation can be graded and initially treated conservatively. Macrocystic lymphatic malformations are best treated with sclerotherapy, although surgical excision can also be considered as a primary treatment or after sclerotherapy if persistent, which can cause significant morbidity.