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Lung adenocarcinoma and pulmonary actinomycosis: a cautionary tale

Kelly Drozdowicz1, Hector A Marquez2,3, Eric J Burks4,3

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.

Tumori
|April 20, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pulmonary actinomycosis, a rare bacterial lung infection, can mimic lung cancer. However, a positive Actinomyces culture does not exclude the possibility of coexisting lung adenocarcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare, slow-progressing bacterial infection.
  • It is frequently misdiagnosed as lung cancer, prompting caution against premature malignancy diagnosis.
  • No prior English literature documented the coexistence of Actinomyces and lung cancer.

Observation:

  • This report details two cases of culture-positive Actinomyces infections.
  • Both patients were subsequently diagnosed with biopsy-proven lung adenocarcinoma.

Findings:

  • A positive Actinomyces culture in patients with lung masses does not rule out malignancy.
  • Actinomyces infection and lung adenocarcinoma can occur concurrently.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider the possibility of coexisting lung cancer in patients with pulmonary actinomycosis.
  • Diagnostic workup for lung masses requires a comprehensive approach, not solely focused on infection or malignancy.
  • This finding broadens the differential diagnosis for pulmonary lesions presenting with Actinomyces.
Keywords:
Actinomyceslung cancerthoracic oncology

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