Publication

Fatally invasive actinomycosis masquerading as a tonsillar carcinoma

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 30, 2014

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Pezier T, Kastrinidis N, Widmer G, Huber G, Probst R. Fatally invasive actinomycosis masquerading as a tonsillar carcinoma. Head & neck 2014; 36:E129-30.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Head & neck 2014; 36
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2014
Issn Electronic
1097-0347
Pages
E129-30
Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND
Actinomyces is a bacterial rod found in the normal oral flora. It can gain entry to the submucosa via trivial wounds and ultimately lead to slow growing lesions which may mimic cancerous lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS
We present the case of an elderly, immunosuppressed woman who presented with a herald bleed from a tonsillar lesion. Despite initial operative arrest of the hemorrhage, she died of a carotid blowout. At autopsy, no sign of cancer was found, but rather an invasive actinomycosis.

CONCLUSION
Although actinomycosis of the tonsil is well known and has even been described as mimicking tonsillar cancer, this is, to our knowledge, the first report of a carotid blowout secondary to actinomycosis.