A single lobe or both lobes or only the isthmus of the thyroid may be involved. Subsequent fluctuance may develop later. Rarely, thyroid abscess can present as a pulsative mass. Other signs that are related to pressure upon the neck muscle include involuntary depression of the chin upon swallowing and limitation of cervical
extension [13]. ST can be part of a cellulitis in the neck or because of infection of a cyst in a multinodular goiter. Symptoms may be present from 1 to 180 days (mean 18 days) prior to the establishment of diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis has occur in instances of subacute thyroiditis. Symptoms in those with tuberculous thyroiditis are present for a mean interval of 105 days (range,14 days/1 year).