Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
12:45
Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2022
6.9K
PELVIC ACTINOMYCOSIS MIMICKING A LOCALLY ADVANCED PELVIC MALIGNANCY--CASE REPORT
Summary
Pelvic actinomycosis, a rare infection, can mimic pelvic tumors in intrauterine device (IUD) users. Prompt diagnosis and 3-month antibiotic treatment led to favorable outcomes, avoiding unnecessary surgery.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are widely used for long-term contraception.
- Pelvic masses in IUD users can present diagnostic challenges, often raising concerns for malignancy.
- Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Actinomyces species, typically found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a former IUD user with a bulky, fixed pelvic tumor involving pelvic organs and the rectosigmoid.
- The tumor caused rectal narrowing, initially suspected to be advanced pelvic malignancy of genital origin.
- Intraoperative sampling revealed large Actinomyces colonies within the tumor's fibrous wall.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention focused on debridement and pus removal, with appendectomy, avoiding extensive resection.
- A 3-month course of specific antibiotic therapy was administered postoperatively.
- The patient experienced favorable short-term and long-term outcomes following treatment.
Implications:
- Pelvic actinomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic tumors, particularly in women with a history of IUD use.
- Early identification and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for successful management and prevention of recurrence.
- This case highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies in complex pelvic masses to guide appropriate treatment strategies.
