Nodular fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon fibroblastic proliferation that usually arises in the extremities or trunk, less frequently in the head and neck region. It is frequently mistaken for a malignant tumour owing to its rapid growth, but it is ultimately a benign condition with spontaneous regression. We describe a case of a 17-month-old African girl with cervical NF in which spontaneous and complete regression of the lesion occurred following the diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology. We emphasise the importance of making an accurate and timely diagnosis, and the imperative role of fine needle aspiration cytology in this process, potentially avoiding further unnecessary surgical procedures.