Neck abscess as the initial manifestation of pharyngeal cancer

Pharyngeal carcinoma and neck abscesses are not uncommon, but neck infection as the initial presentation of primary head and neck cancer is rare, and these patients risk potential misdiagnosis. Case presentation: We report our experience with two patients who had an unusual first presentation of pharyngeal cancer – a deep neck infection and a relapsing abscess of the thyroid gland. Conclusion: Our case series demonstrates the need for meticulous physical examination of the head and neck in all patients presenting with neck abscess. It is important to consider malignant tumour as a possible cause of deep neck infection and an abscess of the thyroid gland. Diagnosis and subsequent treatment is delayed if malignancy is not clinically suspected.