Abstract
In order to investigate the precipitating factors in the pathogenesis of a neck abscess, we retrospectively analyzed 38 patients with neck abscesses who were treated between August 2008 and July 2010. We also compared their clinical status with 38 patients suffering from peritonsillar abscesses during the study period. The peritonsillar abscesses occurred mostly in patients in their 20s and 30s, whereas the neck abscesses occurred mostly in children aged below 10 and in patients 50 or over. The rate of cigarette smoking was higher for both groups when compared to the general population. Neck abscesses occurred mostly in the lateral or retropharyngeal region, followed by the submandibular region, and in some cases the retropharyngeal abscess extended to the suprahyoid region or the mediastinum. The most common cause of neck abscesses were pharyngitis and cavities in adults, and lymphadenitis in children.
