Actinomyces Infection Mimicking Esophageal Cancer

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection, which rarely affects the esophagus. Our patient presented with persistent acute blood loss anemia and epigastric pain despite previously negative upper endoscopy. He underwent repeat endoscopy a few months later showing what was thought to be malignant esophageal cancer at the gastroesophageal junction; however, the biopsy report revealed chronic inflammation with actinomycosis. This report will discuss the evaluation and management of actinomyces infections as it is important to distinguish infection from malignancy. It is crucial for physicians to be aware of the unusual presentation and ability to mimic malignancy to aid in proper diagnosis and management and therefore the prevention of unnecessary procedures including resection.