Study of histopathological changes in thyroid, salivary gland and lymph nodes in hanging

146 cases of hanging were studied in the period between 1st Jan. 1998 to 31st Dec. 1999 at Government Medical College, Nagpur. In addition to external findings, internal examination particularly of neck structures were done in detail. Fractures of Hyoid bone, Thyroid cartilage and tracheal rings, damage to tracheal mucosa and larynx and soft tissue haemorrhages were noted. Detail study of thyroid gland, Mandibular group of lymph nodes and Parotid salivary glands was done both by gross and microscopic examination.

146 Cases of Hanging were examined during the study. 36 cases were of partial hanging. In 14% cases, focal interstitial haemorrhages were seen in thyroid gland on microscopic examination. In these cases no gross haemorrhages were detected. Similarly in 13% cases, focal interstitial haemorrhages were observed in microscopic examination of salivary gland. No abnormality was detected in microscopic examination of lymph gland except for congestion. Fracture of Hyoid bone was detected in 14% cases where as in 15% cases, fracture of Thyroid cartilage was detected. Intracartilagenous haemorrhages were detected on gross in 21% cases.

These findings suggest that microscopic examination particularly of thyroid and salivary glands can become significant evidence for documenting antemortem nature of hanging in cases where there are no other evidence.