A neck abscess caused by a fish bone lodged in the throat for several months.

VTV.vn - A 35-year-old woman in Vinh Long has just undergone successful surgery after a fish bone lodged silently for months, causing an abscess in her neck and invading her thyroid gland.

Photo: BVCC

According to Xuyen A Vinh Long General Hospital, patient LTH was admitted with a persistent left-sided sore throat for about 5 days, with increased pain when swallowing, accompanied by fever and poor appetite.

Upon taking the patient's medical history, it was reported that about 5 months prior, they had experienced a feeling of something stuck in their throat after allegedly swallowing a fish bone. However, previous examinations and endoscopy revealed no abnormalities, so no further treatment was sought.

At the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, doctors discovered a hard mass in the left neck area. Ultrasound results showed an abscess with a rod-shaped foreign body inside. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck and chest further revealed the abscess extending to the upper surface of the left thyroid lobe and containing a foreign body suspected to be a fish bone.

After consultation, the doctors determined that this was a case of cervical abscess caused by a fish bone foreign body and ordered emergency surgery.

During the surgery, the team observed a large amount of cloudy pus and extensive necrotic tissue behind the upper pole of the left thyroid lobe. After cleaning the abscess, the doctors removed a fish bone fragment approximately 6 mm long.

Notably, with the assistance of the C-arm and CT scan system, the team discovered another fish bone lodged deep within the left thyroid gland. Doctors were forced to remove the left lobe of the thyroid gland to access and remove all remaining foreign objects.

Following surgery, the patient recovered well, experienced significant pain relief, was able to eat and drink, and continued to receive stable post-operative monitoring.

According to doctors, this is a rare case because the fish bone foreign body remained undetected for many months. The foreign body had penetrated the pharynx, moved into the soft tissue of the neck, and lodged deep within the thyroid gland – a location very difficult to detect with a routine examination or simple endoscopy.

Experts advise that if you get a fish bone stuck in your throat and experience persistent symptoms such as one-sided sore throat, painful swallowing, a feeling of something stuck in your throat, fever, or swelling and pain in the neck area, you should seek medical attention promptly to avoid dangerous complications.

Source: https://vtv.vn/ap-xe-co-do-xuong-ca-mac-suot-nhieu-thang-100260529140908147.htm