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Esophageal actinomycosis
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Esophageal actinomycosis is a rare disease that can only occur if the mucous membrane of the esophagus is damaged and infected agents are retained in it. Primary and secondary forms of esophageal actinomycosis are distinguished. Primary lesions occur with minor damage to the mucous membrane. Secondary lesions originate from some adjacent lesion, for example, located in the pharynx.
Pathologically, the disease manifests itself as an extensively growing tumor, affecting all tissues in its path and giving rise to secondary foci in the lungs, liver, other abdominal organs and other anatomical areas.
[ Symptoms of Esophageal Actinomycosis
The onset of the disease should be characterized as insidious. The disease is detected when significant lesions of the esophagus occur, accompanied by pain and dysphagia. Sometimes bloody discharge is detected in the regurgitated mucus, and actinomycetes are detected during microscopic examination of the discharge. Clinically, the disease is very severe and, as a rule, ends in death.
Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?
Treatment of actinomycosis of the esophagus
Treatment of esophageal actinomycosis is divided into local and general. Local treatment is ineffective, especially in the widespread form. Diathermocoagulation and X-ray therapy are used. General treatment prescribes macro- and microelements (potassium iodide), penicillins (benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin), antimicrobial agents in combinations (co-trimoxazole), tetracyclines (doxycycline, metacycline).
Prognosis for actinomycosis of the esophagus
The prognosis is serious, since actinomycosis of the esophagus is fraught with complications associated with damage to the mediastinum and chest organs.