title: Actinomycosis: a potential complication of head and neck surgery.
abstract: Actinomycosis is a granulomatous infection occasionally found in the head and neck region that potentially may complicate a major head and neck oncologic surgical procedure. A case presentation, a review of the pertinent literature, and the treatment of this infectious complication are the primary elements of this report. A chronic infection of the neck caused by Actinomyces ssp developed postoperatively in a patient treated for head and neck cancer. Despite relapse after an initial course of long-term antibiotic therapy, the infection was successfully eradicated. Actinomycosis after surgery for head and neck cancer is unusual. However, the etiologic agent, Actinomyces ssp, is a common, potential microbial contaminant of head and neck surgery characterized by oral cavity or pharyngeal entry. Recognition of the typical manifestation of this infection in the neck facilitates prompt, appropriate treatment.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri Health Sciences Center, Columbia.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Zitsch 3rd
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bothwell
mesh_terms: D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology*