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Actinomycosis of the upper lip
Young Seok Lee1, Hyun Soo Sim, Sook Kyung Lee
1Department of Dermatology, Maryknoll Medical Center, Busan, Korea.
Annals of Dermatology
|October 27, 2011
Summary
Actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection, can present as an upper lip nodule, mimicking other conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this challenging infection.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Actinomycotic infections present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Commonly affect the head, neck, thorax, and abdomen.
- Actinomycosis of the upper lip is rare and clinically mimics other lesions.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic, normal skin-colored nodule on the upper lip.
- Histopathology revealed a dermal abscess with characteristic sulfur granules.
- Gram staining demonstrated a mesh of branching rods, indicative of Actinomyces.
Findings:
- The case highlights the unusual presentation of actinomycosis on the upper lip.
- Microscopic findings confirmed the presence of sulfur granules and branching rods.
- The lesion's appearance initially suggested a mucocele, venous lake, or benign neoplasm.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering actinomycosis in upper lip lesions.
- Accurate histopathological examination is vital for correct diagnosis.
- Understanding the varied presentations aids in appropriate therapeutic strategies for actinomycosis.
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