Lymph Node Biopsy

White blood cells, which fight infection, are produced in the lymph nodes, which are small glands in the body. The germs that cause an infection may be trapped in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes commonly enlarge and become tender in children with viral infections or when a skin infection is nearby. There are times when antibiotics do not work, mainly when the lymph nodes are not inflamed. Removing a sample node or part of the node allows microscopic examination and cultures. A lymph node biopsy is the removal of lymph node tissue for microscopic analysis. This procedure is often used in cases where a lymph node has become abscessed due to an infection. Lymph node enlargement in children is most often caused by infection, but primary and metastatic malignancies can also occur in lymph nodes.

Thyroid Masses Including Thyroglossal Cysts

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones critical to growth and metabolism. Unusually, a mass can develop inside the thyroid, known as a thyroid nodule. Nodules on the thyroid can be solid or fluid filled. Thyroid nodules in children are typically benign, but a thorough examination is necessary to detect the 20% of cancerous thyroid nodules. Dr MJ Human is an expert in paediatric thyroid nodules, and he should be consulted if a child has one. If these nodules change, additional biopsies may be required in the future. Periodic ultrasounds may be recommended to keep an eye on them. Thyroid nodules with abnormal biopsy results, which point to thyroid cancer, or nodules causing bothersome symptoms may be recommended for surgery.

For parents, discovering any mass on their child can be frightening. Cysts of the thyroglossal duct are found in the front of the neck and are filled with fluid. It is possible that this cyst is present at birth. In the womb, the thyroid gland moves to its usual location above the sternum, below the thyroid cartilage. A thyroglossal duct cyst may form if a portion of this path through which the thyroid gland travels becomes clogged with mucus-like fluid. Surgery is required to remove a thyroglossal duct cyst. Your child's thyroglossal duct cyst will be surgically removed by Dr MJ Human.

Ranula

Under the tongue, there is a fluid collection known as a ranula. A salivary gland has been damaged, causing it to leak saliva into the rest of the body. Instead of the saliva draining from the glands directly into the mouth, one of these glands is damaged, so the saliva leaks into the tissues next to the gland and forms a bubble. A simple ranula remains in the mouth under the tongue, while a plunging ranula extends into the neck beneath the mouth. Dr MJ Human will treat your little one with the utmost care when treating them. Treatment typically requires surgical intervention to remove the diseased gland.

Ankyloglossia or "Tongue-Tie"

Ankyloglossia is called "tongue-tie" because the tongue of an ankyloglossia child is permanently attached to the floor of the mouth. An abnormally short tongue-to-gum tissue connection causes this condition. As a result of this condition, a person is born with it. Each child's case of tongue-tie is unique. The condition is categorised according to how well the tongue can move. Dr MJ Human will treat your child with the utmost care if they have a tongue tie. Surgical intervention is part of the treatment plan.