Actinomycosis of the larynx

Actinomycosis is a disease characterized by a chronic suppurative and granulomatous process which tends to form multiple pyogenic draining sinus tracts. The most common site in which it occurs is the cervico-facial region, especially in the submandibular area. The exudates from the fistulous tracts usually contain yellow granules known as "sulfur granules," which can be considered as a hallmark of actinomycosis. We report a rare case of laryngeal actinomycosis which occurred in a 68-year-old male who had been irradiated 8 years before due to laryngeal carcinoma. During the admission, the patient was also diagnosed as being a myelodisplastic syndrome carrier. The patient was treated successfully with penicillin 10 million IU administered daily over 40 days. The etiologic agents, predisposing factors, diagnostic procedures, and available treatments are discussed, and the pertinent literature is reviewed herein.