title: Actinomycosis of the pharynx.
abstract: Few cases of pharyngeal actinomycosis have been documented in the literature. We describe the case of a 67-year-old white man who presented with symptoms of dysphagia. Laryngoscopy revealed a pedunculated mass in the left posterior pharyngeal wall; an excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively, the patient underwent 10 weeks of intravenous penicillin therapy followed by 4 months of oral antibiotics, and his condition resolved. We discuss the diagnosis, management, and complications of this rare infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Anna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lipowska
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Johns
mesh_terms: D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D010406:Penicillins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010614:Pharynx / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins