Infected Thyroglossal Duct Cyst vs. Lymphadenitis with Abscess

Infected Thyroglossal Duct Cyst vs. Lymphadenitis with Abscess

Left picture: Here, an infected thyroglossal duct cyst is present. Right picture: The diagnosis for this patient is a lymphadenitis with abscess. For differentiation, the localization is helpful, e.g. median vs. lateral site: A lymphadenitis with abscess lies often at the jaw angle, while inflammatory processes of the midline are characteristic for infected thyroglossal duct cysts, or, in case of a jugular or submental site, for infected epidermoid cysts.

Obviously, both toddlers have an inflammatory process of the neck. Due to the frequency of occurrence, a lymphadenitis with abscess is frequently considered. On looking closely, there is a difference in the two pathologies concerning the site on the neck and the prominence of the local finding. Left picture: The local finding is localized in the midline and very prominent. Right picture: The local findings lie on the left angle of the lower jaw and are not very prominent.