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Actinomycosis mimicking a pelvic malignancy. A case report
D R Scribner1, J Baldwin, G A Johnson
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA. dennis-scribner@uokhsc.edu
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|July 20, 2000
Summary
Pelvic actinomycosis, a rare infection, can mimic cancer, leading to unnecessary surgeries. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid extensive procedures for this treatable condition.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pelvic actinomycosis presents diagnostic challenges due to its infiltrative nature and lack of typical infection markers.
- The condition's presentation can closely resemble pelvic malignancies, complicating preoperative assessment.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman with a history of long-term intrauterine device (IUD) use presented with a symptomatic pelvic mass.
- Imaging suggested colorectal cancer, prompting extensive surgical intervention including abdominoperineal resection and hysterectomy.
- Pathology revealed actinomycosis, characterized by sulphur granules, alongside tuboovarian abscess and endometritis.
Findings:
- Actinomycosis can present as a pelvic mass, mimicking advanced cancer.
- Histopathological examination is key for diagnosing actinomycosis, identifying characteristic sulphur granules.
Implications:
- Awareness of pelvic actinomycosis is vital for surgeons to prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
- Timely diagnosis can spare patients significant morbidity associated with extensive, unnecessary surgeries for presumed malignancies.