2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)
Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

Actinomycosis
Definition:
Actinomycosis is a chronic infection, commonly of the face and neck, that produces abscesses and open draining sinuses.

Alternative Names:
Lumpy jaw

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Actinomycosis is usually caused by an anaerobic (disliking oxygen) bacterium called Actinomyces israelii. This is a common and normally nonpathogenic (not disease-causing) organism found in the nose and throat.

Its normal location in the nose and throat account for actinomycosis, most commonly appearing in the face and neck. Because this organism is normal for people, the infection is not contagious.

Actinomyces produces disease when it is introduced into the facial tissues by trauma, surgery, or infection. A common cause is dental abscess or oral surgery. Once in the tissue it forms an abscess, producing a hard red to reddish purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the name lumpy jaw.

Eventually, the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract. Actinomycosis may occasionally occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis) and abdomen or other areas of the body.

Symptoms:
  • A swelling or hard red to reddish-purple lump appearing on the face or upper neck (see neck lumps)
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Pain is minimal to absent
  • Draining sores in the skin, particularly those on the chest wall resulting from lung infection with Actinomyces
Signs and tests:
  • Examination of drained fluid under a microscope demonstrates "sulfur granules" in the fluid
  • Examination under a microscope shows the presence of Actinomyces species of bacteria
  • A culture of the tissue or fluid shows Actinomyces species
Treatment:

Treatment for actinomyces is long term, with 1 to 2 months of penicillin given through a vein, followed by 6 to 12 months of penicillin taken by mouth. Other drugs have also been effective.

Note: Doxycycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted. It can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Surgical drainage of the lesion may be required.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected with treatment.
Complications:

Meningitis can develop from this infection.
Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder. Beginning treatment promptly helps quicken the recovery.
Prevention:

Maintain good oral hygiene. See your dentist regularly.
Review Date: 2/20/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com