SOFT TISSUE ABSCESS OF THE NECK

A SOFT TISSUE ABSCESS IS A COLLECTION OF PUS FROM AN INFECTION. AS THE INFECTION INCREASES, THE PRESSURE FROM THE INCREASED SIZE OF THE PUS COLLECTION PUSHES AGAINST NECK STRUCTURES SUCH AS THE THROAT AND TONGUE.

AN ABSCESS USUALLY FOLLOWS A BACTERIAL OR VIRAL INFECTION OF THE HEAD OR NECK. EXAMPLES OF THESE INCLUDE: A COLD, TONSILLITIS, SINUS INFECTION, OR EAR INFECTION. AS THE INFECTION WORSENS IT SPREADS DEEP INTO THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE NECK.

SYMPTOMS OF A SOFT TISSUE NECK ABSCESS INCLUDE: FEVER, SORE THROAT, SWELLING TO THE THROAT OR NECK, EAR PAIN, NECK PAIN AND STIFFNESS. IN SEVERE CASES A PERSON MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY BREATHING OR SWALLOWING.

BLOOD TESTS, THROAT CULTURE, AND XRAYS MAY ALL BE PERFORMED TO DIAGNOSE A SOFT TISSUE NECK ABSCESS. CT AND MRI THE BEST DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS TO EVALUATE FOR AN ABSCESS. WITH MRI HAVING THE BEST SOFT TISSUE RESOLUTION.

TREATMENT USUALLY INVOLVES ANTIBIOTICS. IF NEEDED THE ABSCESS CAN BE DRAINED VIA A NEEDLE.