Deep neck infection as an initial presentation of head and neck cancer

Introduction: Deep neck infection is an infection of the cervical fascial space with development of abscess or phlegmona. The most common cause of deep neck infection is dental infection (30-43%) and infection of upper airways (20-26%). Case: 59-year-old man with a clinical sings of deep neck infection of uncertain etiology was immediately admitted and treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Jessenius Medical Faculty, Comenius University, Teaching Hospital in Martin. Carcinoma of the tonsil (T1N2bM0, stage IVA) and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (T1N1bM0, stage IVA) were detected. Conclusion: Malignancy of ENT region may initially present as a deep neck infection. Therefore, the exact investigation of upper aero digestive tract is needed in all patients with deep neck infection of unknown origin. (author)