Cervicofacial actinomycosis: still a difficult differential diagnosis

Cervicofacial actinomycosis, a rare chronic infectious disease, is, however, an important clinical entity, due to the difficulties involved, still today, in its diagnosis. Following personal experience in a case referred to our Department, and in agreement with reports in the literature, attention is drawn to the presenting clinical manifestations, stressing that these are often confusing since they mimic those of other diseases, Moreover, many pre-operative investigations (radiological scans, incisional biopsy, fine-needle aspiration) are generally nonspecific. Finally, surgical excision of the mass is now the last essential step to make a definitive diagnosis and define the appropriate antibiotic therapy.