Cervicofacial actinomycosis and mandibular osteomyelitis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a challenging diagnosis due to its mimicry of other conditions like malignancy.
• Mandibular osteomyelitis is an underappreciated head and neck infection, often stemming from dental issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of including cervicofacial actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of head and neck soft tissue swellings.
• To emphasize the underappreciated nature of mandibular osteomyelitis in head and neck infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations for cervicofacial actinomycosis.
• Analysis of common etiologies and antecedent events for mandibular osteomyelitis.

Main Results:

• Cervicofacial actinomycosis frequently mimics other diseases, leading to diagnostic delays.
• Odontogenic sources are the primary cause of mandibular osteomyelitis, with periapical abscesses being common.

Conclusions:

• Cervicofacial actinomycosis requires consideration in head and neck differential diagnoses, especially when malignancy is suspected.
• Mandibular osteomyelitis, often linked to odontogenic infections, necessitates greater clinical awareness.