Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

"Sun's Seven-Step Technique" for Endoscopic En-Bloc Resection of Thyroid Cancer via the Chest-Breast Approach
Published on: November 28, 2025
Recurrent acute thyroid swellings because of pyriform sinus fistula
Vidyadhar P Mali1, Krishnan Prabhakaran
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
Abstract:
Anterior neck abscesses are not rare; but their origin from within the usually infection-resistant thyroid gland is not thought of in the first instance. We encountered 3 patients with differing presentations (tender nodule over anterior neck, recurrent abscess overlying the thyroid gland, and nonhealing fistula with inflammation of the anterior neck). These were caused by persistent embryological communication from the pyriform sinus to the thyroid gland to the left lobe. Excluding the first patient in whom an abnormal communication with oropharynx was suspected when actinomyces was detected in the aspiration cytology of a thyroid nodule, the other 2 patients underwent drainage as for any neck abscess. Fistulous communication was confirmed on barium swallow (in 2 patients) or computed tomographic scan (in 1 patient). En bloc excision of the affected thyroid along with the fistulous tract was performed in all patients. Long-term follow-up confirmed a cure.
Related Concept Videos
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Goiter
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
