Actinomycosis of the cervix mimicking stage II cervical cancer

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection, characterized by suppurative and granulomatous inflammation. In humans, actinomycosis is most frequently caused by Actinomyces israelii . It is a normal commensal which becomes pathogenic upon any breach in the mucosa. We report the case of cervical actinomycosis in a 45-year-old female who had a mass per vagina for 2 years. There was no history of any intrauterine contraceptive device insertion. The radiological diagnosis was a neoplasm as the lesion is extending into the adjacent structures. Surgery was planned and a biopsy was taken which revealed Actinomyces . The patient was administered long-term penicillins and advised follow-up. Pelvic actinomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses. Even though actinomycosis can present as a large pelvic mass invading adjacent structures, it can be treated with medications and without any surgical intervention.