Deep neck space abscesses are common otolaryngological emergencies, and prompt incision and drainage is the treatment of choice. Head and neck cancers often present with cervical metastases that may become secondarily infected. Clinical presentation is similar to a deep neck abscess. Surgical drainage of such collections has implications on subsequent treatment. In this case series, we describe six cases with this unusual presentation that were subsequently found to have a head and neck malignancy, and where three patients had their abscesses treated surgically. We aim to raise awareness of this unusual presentation of a head and neck carcinoma, and to avoid a potential pitfall in the management of deep neck abscess.
Abscess ; diagnosis ; Adult ; Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

INTRODUCTIONIngestion of fish bones is a common clinical complaint among adult patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological and behavioural risk factors for fish bone ingestion.

METHODSBetween 2009 and 2010, a physician-administered questionnaire was administered to 112 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department of an adult tertiary hospital with the complaint of fish bone ingestion.

RESULTSThe wearing of dentures, the use of utensils to eat fish and the practice of deboning fish in one's mouth were found to be associated with an increased risk of fish bone ingestion.

CONCLUSIONTo prevent the occurrence of fish bone ingestion and its possible complications, at-risk populations should be advised on the precautions to take when eating boned fish.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Child ; Cooking and Eating Utensils ; Dentures ; Eating ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Fishes ; Foreign Bodies ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult