sternomastoid tumour

Last reviewed 01/2018

The sternomastoid tumour is not a true malignancy; it is fibrous mass in one of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, and represents reaction to intrauterine or birth trauma to the muscle. In many cases there is no antecedent history of trauma.

The sternocleidomastoid muscle is short and the child has a torticollis.

It may resolve spontaneously; however, in some cases facial asymmetry may develop.