Introduction: Thyroid gland tuberculosis is a very rare extrapulmonary presentation of tuberculosis even in countries where pulmonary tuberculosis is endemic. Thyroid gland tuberculosis was reported in 19th century. Thyroid gland tuberculosis presenting as abscess is very rare with occasional case reports in literature. A case of thyroid gland abscess is presented here.
Case Report: A young girl presented with swelling in right lobe of thyroid. Ultrasound (USG) revealed a swelling in right lobe of thyroid with central necrosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of neck could not make a definite diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) from the swelling could provide the diagnosis of tubercular thyroid abscess. Pus aspirated from the swelling did not reveal any acid fast bacilli. The patient was treated by antitubercular therapy, thus avoiding surgery of thyroid.
Conclusion: The accurate diagnosis of tubercular thyroid abscess is essential by using USG, CECT, MRI scan and FNA. The surgery of thyroid gland has been limited, because of availability of antitubercular therapy.

Keywords: Abscess, Antitubercular therapy, Fine needle aspiration, Thyroid, Tuberculosis