Actinomycosis of the adenoids: a histopathological study

ABSTRACT

One hundred and forty adenoidectomy specimens were examined for the presence of actinomycosis colonies. Hematoxylin and Eosin, P.A.S. and gram stain were used. Complete clinical evaluation was performed for all patients pre-operatively. Colonies could be demonstrated in 9.2 percent of the specimens. More than 30 percent of them showed tissue invasion with surrounding chronic inflammatory reaction. Halitosis was a common complaint in about 40 percent of patients with positive specimens. Actinomycosis is most probably a contributing factor for this symptom