The evaluation of someone who may have a retropharyngeal abscess begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a retropharyngeal abscess may include:

• A red throat and tonsils
• High fever
• Inability to swallow
• Swollen throat and tonsils
• Pus or discharge on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Tests are necessary to make the diagnosis of a retropharyngeal abscess.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a retropharyngeal abscess include:

• Complete blood count
• Rapid strep test
• Quickly detects a strep throat
• Soft tissue neck x-rays
• Shows swelling in the tissues just in front of the cervical vertebrae
• Throat culture
• Detects various bacteria
• MRI scan of the neck
• A very good test for soft tissue abnormalities