Pulmonary actinomycosis masquerading as lung cancer: A case report

Med J Malaysia. 2017 Aug;72(4):246-247.

Abstract

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare yet important and challenging diagnosis to make. It is commonly confused with other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis and bronchogenic carcinoma, leading to delay diagnosis or misdiagnosis. A 49-year-old man presented with a chronic cough, hemoptysis, and pleuritic chest pain. His initial imaging studies including computed tomography (CT) was suggestive of bronchogenic carcinoma. A subsequent CTguided biopsy was consistent with pulmonary actinomycosis and excluded the possibility of bronchogenic carcinoma. He was treated with antibiotic therapy and achieved remission with complete radiological resolution upon follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / microbiology
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed