Actinomyces israelii May Cause Vulvar Lesions That Look Like Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Y. McElroy, Marsha E. Gorens, Lisa N. Jackson, Danielle Stigger, Teresa Becker, Eyal Sheiner
Primary Institution: Rush University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can Actinomyces israelii cause vulvar lesions that are mistaken for malignancy?
Conclusion
Actinomyces israelii may produce vulvar lesions that are suspicious for malignancy, necessitating biopsies and cultures for accurate diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Actinomyces israelii is a normal part of the genital tract flora.
- The patient presented with a 10 cm vulvar mass that was painful and had sinus tracts.
- Biopsy revealed a ruptured epidermal inclusion cyst containing Actinomyces israelii.
- Culture results were positive for Actinomyces israelii and other bacteria.
- Diagnosis of Actinomyces infections can be difficult due to prior antibiotic use.
Takeaway
A woman had a big lump on her vulva that looked like it could be cancer, but it turned out to be caused by a type of bacteria called Actinomyces israelii.
Methodology
The case involved a biopsy and cultures to identify the cause of the vulvar mass.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 60-year-old African American woman, postmenopausal, with no IUD.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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