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Cervicofacial actinomycosis
Author(s) -
Karanfilian Katrice M.,
Valentin Monica N.,
Kapila Rajendra,
Bhate Chinmoy,
Fatahzadeh Mahnaz,
Micali Giuseppe,
Schwartz Robert A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/ijd.14833
Subject(s) - medicine , actinomycosis , surgical excision , antibiotics , sinus (botany) , surgery , chronic infection , dermatology , botany , immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , biology , genus
Cervicofacial actinomycosis is an uncommon, chronic, suppurative, and granulomatous bacterial infection. It is often of dental origin and tends to mimic other dental infections, granulomatous disorders, and cancers. The initial diagnostic workup, predicated upon imaging and tissue biopsies, is frequently nonspecific. A definitive diagnosis is usually rendered only after surgical excision and histologic examination of the cervicofacial mass. We propose a classification of three stages: localized infection without sinus involvement, localized infection with sinus involvement, and disseminated infection, to facilitate recognition, diagnosis, and early aggressive treatment. Untreated infection may be life‐threatening. Therapy may require long‐term antibiotics; however, many cases may also necessitate complete surgical excision.