Right-sided cheek mass in a 10-year-old male

Background Castleman disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder that can present in multiple locations throughout the body. While considered a benign entity, Castleman disease in the pediatric head and neck can resemble other common childhood malignancies. Methods This report describes a case of Castleman disease in a 10-year-old male who presented with a progressively enlarging facial mass; work-up revealed aggressive histopathological and imaging features concerning for rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient ultimately required surgical resection for definitive diagnosis. Results The facial mass was successfully resected without complication. A diagnosis of unicentric Castleman disease was made based on final histopathological evaluation of the permanent specimen. The mass has not recurred one year postoperatively. Conclusions Castleman disease in the head and neck should be included in the differential diagnosis of a pediatric facial mass. Balancing the appropriate degree of diagnostic intervention and treatment is essential in ensuring the best possible outcome with the least morbidity.