Introduction:-
Neck lumps are a common paediatric referral causing significant parental anxiety. One-stop clinics integrating same-day assessment and ultrasound reduce appointments and time to diagnosis. 1
Evidence derives predominantly from adult cohorts; paediatric data remain scarce. Biopsy underpins most adult models but is poorly tolerated and often unnecessary given the predominantly benign aetiology of paediatric neck masses. We report outcomes from a paediatric one-stop neck lump clinic at a tertiary centre.
Method:-
This ad hoc service arose from co-availability of a head and neck surgeon and radiologist at a tertiary paediatric centre. We retrospectively reviewed patients across five sessions (March–June 2026) seen with same-day point-of-care ultrasound, classified as the one-stop model. Outcomes included ultrasound diagnosis and management at first attendance.
Results:-
Fifty-seven patients were seen; 17 presented with a neck lump, of whom 10 (59%) underwent same-day ultrasound (6 female, 4 male; age range 1y10m–16y7m). Reactive lymphadenopathy was the most common finding (n=7, 70%); further diagnoses included parotitis, sebaceous cyst, and a U2 thyroid nodule with reactive lymphadenopathy (each n=1). Four (40%) were discharged; one was listed for surgery and one given patient-initiated follow-up. These six avoided a return appointment, saving £477.36 (6 × £79.56). Four required telephone (n=1) or face-to-face follow-up (n=3). No malignancy; FNA was not required.
Conclusion:-
Feasible and safe, this clinic achieved same-day ultrasound in 59% of neck lump attendances, with 40% discharged and cost savings, consistent with evidence this model reduces appointments and time to diagnosis. 2,3
References
1. Cozens NJA. A systematic review that evaluates one-stop neck lump clinics. Clin Otolaryngol Clin Otolaryngol: 2009;34:6–11
2. Sood T, Supriya M, Thopil J, Surendra V, Patel BB. One stop neck lump clinic: a boon for quick diagnosis and early management. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol: 2021;278:4951–4
3. Murray A, Stewart CJR, McGarry GW, MacKenzie K. Patients with neck lumps: can they be managed in a ‘one-stop’ clinic setting? Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci: 2000;25:471–5