Cervicofacial actinomycosis mimicking lymphangioma circumscriptum

Abstract

Primary cutaneous actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii occurs most commonly in the cervicofacial area. It commonly presents as "lumpy jaw" with draining sinuses which discharge the characteristic "sulfur granules". A low index of suspicion and a low sensitivity in culturing the organism, due to its fastidious nature often delays the diagnosis. An atypical clinical presentation mimicking lymphangioma circumscriptum with grouped papulovesicular and nodular lesions along the lower jaw extending from skin to the inner buccal mucosa, confirmed on histology and an excellent therapeutic response to penicillin is reported.

Keywords

• Cervicofacial actinomycosis
• lymphangioma
• mimicker