A Soft Neck Lump in a Teen: Ranula vs Lymphatic Malformation
Carousel1 min read·Published Oct 2026

A Soft Neck Lump in a Teen: Ranula vs Lymphatic Malformation

Illustration of teen with neck lump comparing ranula versus lymphatic malformation as differential diagnoses.
Educational slide explaining diagnostic pitfalls when distinguishing ranulas from lymphatic malformations in pediatric cases.
Case reveal slide explaining misdiagnosed ranula was actually a lymphatic malformation treated with sclerotherapy.
A Soft Neck Lump in a Teen: Ranula vs Lymphatic Malformation — slide 4 of 4
1 / 4

Carousel · Oct 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

In brief

Educational comparison of two common soft neck masses in adolescents: ranula and lymphatic malformation. Reviews clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and diagnostic approach to differentiate these pediatric head and neck pathologies.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the carousel.

Slides

4 pages · click to turn to one

A structured comparison chart displaying three treatment modalities in vertical columns with icons, percentage metrics, and outcome indicators. Each column uses distinct visual markers to represent different surgical techniques, with success rate percentages prominently displayed and complication data shown below. Color-coded sections differentiate efficacy metrics from safety profiles.

Pediatric neck pathology. A social-media carousel made possible by Cincinnati Children's.
The text in the image

Pediatric Achalasia: Surgical Approach Comparison | Heller Myotomy | 78% Success Rate | Esophageal Dilatation | 45% Success Rate | POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) | 99% Success Rate | 742 Cases Reviewed | Complication Rates | Training Requirements | Ambulation Outcomes | Neuroprotection Data | Clinical Selection Criteria

The text on each slide
  1. A SOFT, PAINLESS NECK LUMP IN A 16-YEAR-OLD. TWO VERY DIFFERENT CAUSES THAT LOOK IDENTICAL. | Ranula: a blocked gland under the tongue that creates a cyst | Lymphatic malformation: a tangle of lymphatic vessels that formed incorrectly before birth. | Same lump, opposite fix. | Made possible by Cincinnati Children's
  2. RANULA VS. LM · CASE FILE | THE TRAP | IT LOOKED LIKE THE CYST SO THEY TREATED IT LIKE ONE | They cut it out but it grew back. They drained it and tested the fluid for a salivary enzyme. It was positive, so they removed the salivary gland but it returned anyway. | The test can lie. Even the lymphatic malformation — which isn't a salivary cyst at all — sits next to a salivary gland and soaks up a little saliva. | Made possible by Cincinnati Children's
  3. RANULA VS. LM · CASE FILE | THE REVEAL | PULLING THE GLAND SHOULD CURE A SALIVARY CYST IT DIDN'T. | If it were truly a salivary cyst, removing that gland would end it. It kept coming back so it was never a ranula to begin with. | It was the lymphatic malformation. | An ultrasound confirmed it, and shrinking it with injections finally cleared it. | Made possible by Cincinnati Children's
Try
Intelligent Search· scoped to this carousel · not medical adviceSearch the whole library →