Clinical diagnosis of an unusual cause of a cutaneous neck mass

A case of migrating ingested fish bone presenting as an unresolving inflame d neck mass is reported. The clinical features of this rare but easily misd iagnosed entity are discussed. The diagnosis must be suspected in a patient with an unresolving inflamed cutaneous lesion (especially one with a punct um), tenderness of the lesion elicited on swallowing and the presence of a palpable subcutaneous fistula tract, In such a patient, a history of recent foreign body ingestion must be actively sought. An accurate early diagnosi s of this easily treatable condition is desirable as it could avert unneces sary delays, inconveniences, anxiety, costs, investigations and surgery.