Could sternomastoid tumour be inherited?

Abstract

Theories on the aetiology of sternomastoid tumour have been extensively reviewed (i). They include, intrauterine factors, birth injury, haematoma formation, infective myositis, ischaemia and neurogenic, hereditary, musculo-skeletal and CNS abnormalities. We report two siblings born by lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) with right-sided sided sternomastoid tumour, whose mother also had right-sided facial asymmetry and torticollis. This is the only report in the literature where two sibs born by LSCS have been affected.