Mandibular actinomycosis mimicking tumor recurrence

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare disease caused by a microorganism of the normal oral flora. Infection is characterized by swollen tissues and sinuses from which pus drains containing characteristic sulfur granules. Since actinomycosis is a tumorous infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue, this chronic lesion can occasionally mimic neoplasia. A male patient is presented; he had a tumor-like lesion of the left mental region that was initially diagnosed as tumor recurrence, but proved to be an Actinomyces infection on histopathologic examination. Excellent therapeutic response was obtained with a combination of antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, and mandibular curettage. Vestibuloplasty-commissuroplasty was also performed.