This medical illustration displays the progression of the perforation of the pharynx. The initial condition shows inflammation of the underlying deeper tissues and trauma to the mucosa. Erosion forms a channel into the deeper layers of the pharynx and the layers start to breakdown. Next, complete perforation is established through all layers of the pharynx, allowing the leakage of saliva and food particles. The eventual condition shows the formation of an abscess and the ongoing leakage of contaminated fluid though the complete perforation of the pharyngeal wall.
