Swelling in the Back of the Throat -- What Could Be the Cause?

Background: Actinomycosis is an uncommon disease that is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It is caused by the microorganism Actinomyces . Actinomyces are obligate anaerobic gram-positive bacilli that are found in the abdominal, thoracic, and head and neck regions. Earlier researchers from the previous century thought that these organisms were fungi because they grew in colonies, but they are considered bacteria. Patients with an actinomycosis infection may present with a firm, asymptomatic, slow-growing swelling. Areas in the head and neck region that may be affected include the periodontal soft tissues, upper and lower jaws, tongue, neck, submandibular glands, etc. Actinomyces are opportunistic pathogens in individuals who are immunocompromised or in individuals who have had tissue damage. Sulfur granules are a characteristic feature of the Actinomyces microcolonies. Objective: To present a case report of a retropharyngeal infection due to Actinomyces . Design: Case report and lit more...