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Actinomycosis of the thyroid gland masquerading as a neoplasm

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

J. Yiotakis ,
P. Tzounakos ,
L. Manolopoulos ,
A. Tzagaroulakis  and
G. Adamopoulos
J. Yiotakis*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.
P. Tzounakos
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.
L. Manolopoulos
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.
A. Tzagaroulakis
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.
G. Adamopoulos
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.
*
Address for correspondence: John Yiotakis, M.D., Ph.D., 98 Vas.Sophias Avenue, GR-115 28 Athens, Greece.
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Abstract

Actinomycetal infections involving the head and neck often pose a diagnostic puzzle to the otolaryngologist. A rare case of unilateral thyroid swelling due to actinomycosis is described. Although the clinical, laboratory and imaging studies strongly suggested a thyroid neoplasm, the histological examination revealed the presence of Actinomyces sp. in the excised lesion. The manifestations of actinomycosis of the head and neck, its pathogenesis and the difficulties encountered in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease are hereby reviewed.

Keywords

ActinomycosisThyroid gland
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 111 , Issue 2 , February 1997 , pp. 172 - 174
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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