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Mandibular actinomycosis mimicking tumor recurrence

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Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare disease caused by a microorganism of the normal oral flora. Infection is characterized by swollen tissues and sinuses from which pus drains containing characteristic sulfur granules. Since actinomycosis is a tumorous infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue, this chronic lesion can occasionally mimic neoplasia. A male patient is presented; he had a tumor-like lesion of the left mental region that was initially diagnosed as tumor recurrence, but proved to be an Actinomyces infection on histopathologic examination. Excellent therapeutic response was obtained with a combination of antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, and mandibular curettage. Vestibuloplasty–commissuroplasty was also performed.

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Correspondence to Selma Sönmez Ergün.

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Sönmez Ergün, S., Balsever Kural, Y., Su, Ö. et al. Mandibular actinomycosis mimicking tumor recurrence. Eur J Plast Surg 32, 249–252 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-009-0334-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-009-0334-7

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