[Actinomycosis of the tonsils with a pseudotumoral presentation: a clinical case]

A case of actinomycosis of the tonsils with a neoplasm-like clinical presentation is presented. Tonsillectomy confirmed the diagnosis and the patient's evolution was favorable after postoperative antibiotic therapy. The scant literature on cervicofacial actinomycosis is reviewed. These processes often are confused with neoplasms, as in our case, or with mandibular osteomyelitis. Treatment is surgery and prolonged antibiotic administration. Actinomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervicofacial masses, particularly when the biopsy is negative for carcinoma.