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Massive paediatric cervicofacial actinomycoses masquerading as an ulcerative malignancy
Carlson-Babila Sama1, Nicole Fouda Mbarga2, Calvin Eta Oben3,4
1Islamic Medicalised Health Centre, Babessi, Cameroon and Galactic Corps Research Group (GCRG), Buea, Cameroon. sama.carlson@yahoo.com.
Insights
Pediatric cervicofacial actinomycosis, a rare infection, often mimics cancer. Early diagnosis and histopathology are key for good prognosis in this challenging condition.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Paediatric cervicofacial actinomycosis is a rare condition caused by Actinomyces species.
- It typically manifests as chronic, suppurative, granulomatous inflammation.
- The condition often mimics malignant tumors, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case of an 11-year-old African female with a 9-month history of a disfiguring cervical mass is presented.
- The patient underwent several unsuccessful consultations prior to diagnosis.
- Clinical and para-clinical evaluations were crucial for identifying Actinomyces infection.
Findings:
- Actinomycosis remains a diagnostic challenge for clinicians.
- It is essential to consider this rare infection in cases of masses with malignant appearance.
- Lesions unresponsive to multiple antimicrobial treatments warrant further investigation for actinomycosis.
Implications:
- Early recognition and diagnosis of cervicofacial actinomycosis are vital.
- Histopathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment lead to a generally favorable prognosis.
Background:
Paediatric cervicofacial actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease caused by Actinomyces spp. and usually presents as a chronic, suppurative and granulomatous inflammation with a propensity to mimic malignant conditions.
Case Presentation:
We discuss the case of an 11-year-old African female who presented with a chronic disfiguring cervical mass evolving over a 9 months period for which she had several unyielding consultations. Appropriate clinical and para-clinical evaluations were paramount to the diagnosis of an Actinomyces infection. We review the literature on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Conclusion:
Actinomycosis still poses a diagnostic challenge. It is important for clinicians to consider the possibility of such rare infections in apparently malignant looking masses and also in lesions not responding to several antimicrobial treatments. The condition generally carries a good prognosis if recognised early and histopathological diagnosis is the gold standard.
