Profile of neck cellulitis-Clinician's dilemma

Cellulitis neck may be the only presenting feature of an underlying disease in the upper aerodigestive tract. Inflammation in the head and neck region spreads through potential neck spaces to the surface by direct extension or by lymphatic spread. Four cases of cellulitis neck who presented in the emergency department and progressed with variable clinical course are reported in this paper. After initial treatment with parenteral broad spectrum antibiotics, investigations revealed underlying disease and appropriate treatment was instituted. The importance of detailed clinical examination, investigations and key management protocols are highlighted.