Tracheal Actinomycosis Presenting as a Pseudotumor: A Case Report

Actinomycosis is a rare infection that can easily be confused with a neoplasm when it forms mass-like lesions. We report the case of a 21-year-old male patient who presented with dyspnea, cough, and stridor. Imaging studies revealed a tracheal mass obstructing the airway. Bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of the mass, and tissue samples were obtained for pathological examination. Histopathological examination revealed actinomycosis. Following treatment with ampicillin/sulbactam, surgical resection, and tracheostomy, the patient made a satisfactory recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained airway masses that mimic neoplasms.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-07-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.113442
Primary Topic
Actinomycetales infections and treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Tracheal Actinomycosis Presenting as a Pseudotumor: A Case Report

Marcela Velásquez-Salazar, Carlos Darío Aguilar Díaz
Cureus
Actinomycetales infections and treatment
article

Tracheal Actinomycosis Presenting as a Pseudotumor: A Case Report

Marcela Velásquez-Salazar, Carlos Darío Aguilar Díaz
article en

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare infection that can easily be confused with a neoplasm when it forms mass-like lesions. We report the case of a 21-year-old male patient who presented with dyspnea, cough, and stridor. Imaging studies revealed a tracheal mass obstructing the airway. Bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of the mass, and tissue samples were obtained for pathological examination. Histopathological examination revealed actinomycosis. Following treatment with ampicillin/sulbactam, surgical resection, and tracheostomy, the patient made a satisfactory recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained airway masses that mimic neoplasms.

Cureus
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Actinomycetales infections and treatment
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