Fishbone retention in the hypopharynx with abscess formation in the thyroid gland: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Among foreign bodies ingested by adults across the world, the most common is a fishbone foreign body. It’s most common location of impaction often being within the throat in areas such as the tonsils, tongue base, vallecular area, pyriform fossa, and cricopharyngeal area. Aim: To present the case of the fishbone embedded in the rare location, our clinical management and summarised approach to fishbone that migrates outside of the oesophagus. Case report: 76-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with a fishbone foreign body that was retained in the hypopharynx with abscess formation in the thyroid gland. The patient was treated successfully with direct rigid pharyngolaryngoscopy. Discussion: In most cases fishbone foreign bodies are easy to manage with a direct approach. Impacted fishbones may be more challenging as they can migrate deeply and can cause further complications requiring endoscopic approaches and even open surgery. Conclusions: It is important to examine and diagnose a patient accurately to reduce future complications of embedded foreign bodies. The proposed summary of management can be useful.