Question
The newborn has a swelling on the front of the neck, which is horizontal, flat and elongated, with some purple areas in the middle. It feels harder to the touch and measures about 2 millimeters in length and 0.7 millimeters in width. The baby is now 18 days old, and initially, it was thought that it would disappear on its own, but there seems to be a sign of growth. The parents are unsure of the condition and hope the doctor can guide them on treatment and understand if there is any experience or effectiveness in treatment.
Answer
Firstly, I want to commend you, as a parent, for your high level of alertness and attention to detail. This situation with the newborn may be an early sign of torticollis. Although torticollis may not be apparent at the moment, it may gradually become evident after the age of three. Typically, it starts as just a lump. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to immediately determine the cause. Early surgery is very important for congenital torticollis, as it usually results in complete recovery after surgery. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you go to the orthopedic department as soon as possible for a doctor to examine your child. Maintain a positive attitude and actively cooperate with the doctor’s treatment. Many babies have excellent prognoses; I wish you and your baby good health!