Neck pain due to acute suppurative thyroiditis and thyroglossal duct abscess

One case of acute suppurative thyroiditis and one case of thyroglossal duct abscess are presented and discussed. Although they may often present similar symptoms and signs, they need to be differentiated from each other and from other causes of painful thyroid-related neck masses to ensure appropriate therapeutic intervention. Techniques and new developments helpful in differential evaluation, including thyroid radioscintigraphy and ultrasonography, are discussed.