Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy—Importance of cytopathological diagnosis and challenges

Objective Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy (SCMI) is a rare, benign self‐limiting condition which occurs in the perinatal period. The goal of our study is to highlight clinicoradiological and cytopathological findings in these cases. Material and Methods A study was done at a tertiary level hospital, from January 2016 to December 2019. Thirteen cases were studied, out of which 11 were clinically suspected cases of SCMI tumor and two cases were clinically suspected as cervical lymph node tuberculosis which were finally diagnosed as SCMI on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) evaluation. Drs. N. K., S. Z., S. S. K., and S. R. independently reviewed the original diagnosis. Clinical, ultrasonographical, and cytopathological features are highlighted along with follow‐up of the cases. Results There were a total of 13 cases, out of which 11 cases were neonates and two cases were more than 1 month of age (2 months and 2.5 months). Male: female ratio was 10:3 and swelling was present more commonly on the right side of the neck. Ultrasonography predominantly showed non‐cystic, bulky, and heterogenous echotexture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Smears were moderately cellular showing mainly singly scattered oval to spindle shaped fibroblasts along with degenerating and regenerating muscle fibers. Conclusion FNAC along with adequate clinic‐radiological correlation aids in early and reliable diagnosis and can help curtail complications.