Principles and Practice of Surgical Consultation for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Head and Neck Diseases

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the general principles that should be considered when performing a surgical consultation in a pediatric patient presenting with a head and neck lesion. Many lesions have a “classical” or “visual” presentation rendering the diagnosis more obvious. Nonetheless, the clinician should recognize that there is always a differential diagnosis and an unexpected diagnosis will eventually be encountered. Even with years of experience, applying a systematic approach to obtaining a history, performing the physical examination, and developing an accurate differential diagnosis are the keys to success.