Abstract
Deep neck infection is defined as an infectious process in the potential spaces and fascial plane of the neck which may result in a fatal complication. Prompt drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics are the mainstays of treatment. Deep neck infection as the initial presentation of primary head and neck cancer is not common. Nevertheless, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the most common primary head and neck cancer, which could present with cervical metastasis and subsequently becomes infected. Papillary thyroid cancer has a naturally indolent course, and most patients present with a thyroid nodule. However, deep neck infection could be an uncommon presentation of papillary thyroid cancer which may obscure the diagnosis of underlying malignancy. This case report aims to present a rare presentation of papillary thyroid cancer which needs meticulous evaluation. Moreover, the pathological examination should be performed in all cases of deep neck infection for early detection and management of underlying papillary thyroid cancer.
Highlights
Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious condition that can potentially be life-threatening. e infectious process mostly originates from other primary sites and invades potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck. e bacteriology is usually mixed with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria [1]
DNI as the initial presentation of head and neck cancer is uncommon. e prevalence ranges from 1.0% to 5.6% [2, 5,6,7]
Well-differentiated thyroid cancer such as Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) typically presents as a thyroid nodule
Summary
Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious condition that can potentially be life-threatening. e infectious process mostly originates from other primary sites (e.g., odontogenic source and upper respiratory tract) and invades potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck. e bacteriology is usually mixed with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria [1]. Deep neck infection (DNI) is a serious condition that can potentially be life-threatening. E infectious process mostly originates from other primary sites (e.g., odontogenic source and upper respiratory tract) and invades potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck. Cystic nodal metastasis of primary head and neck cancer could become infected and present as a DNI. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas often present with cervical metastases, DNI as the initial presentation of primary head and neck cancer is not common [2]. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is well-differentiated thyroid cancer and the most common type of thyroid cancer. E typical clinical presentation of patients with PTC is thyroid nodule. We present a case of the patient initially presented with DNI, and the pathologic results discovered PTC
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