Challenge dilemma of actinomycosis in the tongue: Review and case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2020:75:176-181. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.09.026. Epub 2020 Sep 11.

Abstract

Introduction: Rare presentation of tongue actinomycosis makes it challenge, less than 3% of all recorded cases of actinomycosis can be proved in the English literature. In this study we clarify the unexpected presence of actinomycosis wishing that it assist our practitioner colleagues in diagnosing such lesions perfectly.

Case presentation: Sixty five years old female was complaining from mass in the tongue submucosally since 1 year last with no history of fever, pain and trauma. It's situated in the anterior third of the tongue, mild discomfort with percussion. Benign neoplasm was the clinical diagnosis. Decision was excisional biopsy. So patient underwent surgery under local anesthesia. Complete excision was done. Specimen sends for histopathological examination. Good healing process. Patient advice to keep on tetracycline capsule 250 mg for 1 month precautionary. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen diagnosis was mycetoma, with no malignancy.

Discussion: Clinically actinomycosis can be challenge too when it be silent not manifest as infection more over similarity to other pathological conditions at that time detailed patient history will be invaluable to exclude neoplastic pathology. Surgeons should pay attention to that prolonged antibiotic therapy is usually required is mandatory in some cases, and excellent prognosis confirmed. With better oral hygiene, availability of antibiotics, and advanced surgical techniques, the outcome, and mortality have improved.

Conclusion: Varied clinical manifestations of the disease are make achievement of clinical diagnosis of actinomycosis is difficult. Treatment should implement in harmony according to each diseases solely.

Keywords: Actinomycosis; Benign lesion; Infection; Microscopical examination; Tongue pathology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports