Pulmonary Actinomycosis Masquerading as Malignancy

Sugeesha Wickramasinghe; John Timerick; Irshad Fahd; Deepa Jacob; Himanshu Singh

doi:10.1002/rcr2.70493

January 30, 2026Respirology Case ReportsOpen Access

Pulmonary Actinomycosis Masquerading as Malignancy

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Key Points

To describe a case of pulmonary actinomycosis presenting with symptoms similar to lung cancer.
Patient presented with chronic cough and weight loss.
Imaging studies showed right upper-lobe nodules and bronchial obstruction.
Bronchoscopy was performed to investigate the mass found in the bronchus.
Histological examination confirmed the presence of actinomycosis.
Imaging findings initially suggested malignancy but were resolved upon diagnosis.
The case emphasizes the importance of differentiating actinomycosis from cancer.

Implication

Case report reveals actinomycosis mimicking malignancy in an elderly ex-smoker, indicating diagnostic challenges.

Abstract

An 81‐year‐old ex‐smoker with chronic cough and weight loss had imaging showing right upper‐lobe nodules, tree‐in‐bud changes and bronchial obstruction. Bronchoscopy revealed a right upper lobe bronchus polypoidal mass with histological evidence of actinomycosis. This case highlights actinomycosis mimicking malignancy and the need to exclude wider differentials and cancer mimics.

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Cite This Study

Wickramasinghe et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6980fe68c1c9540dea81080e https://doi.org/10.1002/rcr2.70493

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Pulmonary Actinomycosis Masquerading as Malignancy

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Pulmonary Actinomycosis Masquerading as Malignancy

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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