Actinomycosis of the Tongue: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Actinomycosis of the tongue is an uncommon, suppurative infection of lingual mucosa, caused by actinomyces. The clinical diagnosis may present serious difficulties because of its ability to mimic other lesions, including both benign and malignant neoplasms. Methods: Here, we describe the case of a 52-years-old patient affected by an asymptomatic, tumor-like tongue swelling, then diagnosed as actinomycosis. A review of tongue localization of actinomycosis is also reported, with emphasis on clinical findings and therapy. Results and Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment, with pus drainage and systemic antibiotic therapy, are pivotal to avoid severe and life-threatening complications.

The Pathogenic Role of Actinomyces spp. and Related Organisms in Genitourinary Infections: Discoveries in the New, Modern Diagnostic Era

“…Currently, some evidence has accumulated on how Actinomyces species might play a role in biofilm formation, e.g., in the oral cavity [74]. The hydrolysis of urea by the urease enzymes of members of oral microbiota might have a major impact on oral microbial ecology and is closely involved in the maintenance of oral health and/or diseases.…”

Pathologist‐performed palpation‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology of lingual actinomycosis: A case report and review of literature

“…Tongue mobility may be affected if the intrinsic lingual muscles are affected. In Table 1, case reports available from the English literature are reviewed with details of available information 2‐28 …”

“…An antibiotic regime is the standard line of treatment, especially penicillin, but sclerotherapy and debridement, chirurgical incision and drainage, and excision were experimented 9,11,12,14,22 . Browsing for additional information showed that squamous papilloma at the same location, 19 negative cultures for Mycobacteria and Actinomyces , 6,16 tobacco intake and alcohol consumption, 6 poor oral hygiene, 8,13 Ethamolin‐induced trauma, 9 association with HIV infection, 4 tongue bite, 7 and dental problems or treatments 6,11 are stated histories. Recurrence is reported for only one case 14 …”

Microbiological and Clinical Aspects of Actinomyces Infections: What Have We Learned?

“…D’Amore et al presented a case of lingual actinomycosis in a 52-year-old male patient, complaining of a recent, asymptomatic, nonulcerated swelling of the anterior part of the tongue [ 18 ]. The patient reportedly had a benign squamous papilloma on the same location of this tongue 5 years prior.…”

“…The patient received clarithromycin for seven days, as he had a known penicillin allergy. Overall, the patient was complaint-free after the short course of antibiotics [ 18 ].…”