Nasopharyngeal Actinomycosis: A Rare Cause of Nasal Airway Obstruction

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is a rare clinical disease. It can occur after nasal trauma or surgical manipulation. It is also reported to occur without prior trauma, making diagnosis difficult. We report a case of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis that presented as nasal airway obstruction causing snoring and mimicking nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To our knowledge, only a few other cases of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis have previously been published, most coming after mucosal trauma. Diagnosis is made by observing the bacteria or its associated sulfur granules in the biopsy specimen. This anaerobic organism is difficult to culture. Treatment consists of wide debridement and prolonged antibiotic therapy, with good prognosis.