Actinomycosis of upper lip: A rare case report

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria, predominantly Actinomyces israelii. The cervicofacial region accounts for more than half of reported cases; however, involvement of the upper lip is extremely rare and often mimics benign tumors or mucoceles. In this case report, we describe a 41-year-old woman who presented with an 8-month history of a painless, slow-growing, mobile mass on the upper left labial mucosa. Diagnosis of an actinomycotic infection of the upper lip was achieved histologically, and the patient was treated with surgical excision and antibiotic therapy. Recovery was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed at 9 months follow-up. Our case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of persistent lip nodules.