Instrumentation and techniques for examination of the ear, nose, throat, and sinus.

Optimal and accurate management of any patient depends on a detailed history and thorough physical examination. The information garnered dictates the definitive management of the patient. Adequate examination of the head and neck, particularly the upper aerodigestive tract, presents a unique challenge because much of the area to be examined is not easily accessible to direct visualization.

An infected branchial cyst complicated by retropharyngeal abscess, cervical osteomyelitis and atlanto-axial subluxation.

We present a case of a 44-year-old man who visited his general practitioner for recurrent neck swelling, which was found to be a neck abscess. It was aspirated, later recurred, and then surgically excised. Histology was consistent with an infected branchial cyst.