TONSILLAR ACTINOMYCOSIS – INCIDENTAL OR PATHOGENIC ? A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE
*Dr. Ponnusamy Karkuzhali M.D.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The procedure of tonsillectomy is performed for several indications. Sometimes, the specimen sent for histopathological examination reveals an unexpected result. Colonisation of actinomycosis is one such finding and it is debatable whether it is incidental or pathogenic. Objective: This study was conducted to establish the incidence of Actinomyces in the tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy specimens received in the laboratory of a tertiary care hospital. Results: 266 patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy extending over a period of two years were included in the study. Incidence of tonsillar actinomycosis was 12% (33 out of 266 cases). It was found to be common in the age group of 11-30 years. The M:F ratio was 3:5. It was observed more often in unilateral tonsil. Conclusion: In my study, presence of actinomyces colonies in tonsillar specimens is more of an incidental finding and did not require management of the patients for that post operatively. However the importance of oral hygiene is to be stressed upon on the patients, as tonsillar actinomycosis was documented more in cases with bad oral hygiene, including dental caries.
Keywords: Tonsillar actinomycosis – Incidental finding – Tonsillar cryptitis.
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