Unusual presentation of oral actinomycosis in the tongue: case report

ABSTRACT Actinomycosis is a rare infection caused by bacteria of Actinomyces genus that can affect both soft and bone tissues; it may be associated with trauma or previous infections. This paper aims to report a clinical case of actinomycosis on the lateral border of the tongue originating from a previous trauma with the use of sclerosing substance for treatment of vascular malformation. The patient underwent debridement of necrotic tissue in the region, and the material was sent for histopathological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycosis. After two years of follow-up, no recurrence was detected.