Oral cervicofacial actinomycosis
The symptoms of oral cervicofacial actinomycosis include:
- swollen lumps on your cheek or neck, which can gradually increase in size and number
- reddish or bluish coloured skin over the lumps
- a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above may occasionally develop
During the initial stages of oral cervicofacial actinomycosis, the lumps may be tender before later becoming painless and hard to the touch. Your jaw muscles may also be affected, which can make chewing difficult.
Oral cervicofacial actinomycosis can also cause narrow passages to open up in the surface of your skin in the affected areas. The passages are called sinus tracts. These should not be confused with sinuses, the cavities found in your face and nose.
The sinus tracts leak pus, which may contain a yellow, granular lumpy material.
Thoracic actinomycosis
The symptoms of thoracic actinomycosis include:
- high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
- weight loss
- tiredness (fatigue)
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- the appearance of sinus tracts on the surface of your chest
You may also develop a dry cough or a cough that produces phlegm. You may bring up drops of blood when you cough, or if you produce phlegm it may be blood-stained.
Abdominal actinomycosis
The symptoms of abdominal actinomycosis include:
- mild fever, usually a temperature that is no higher than 38°C (100.4°F)
- weight loss
- tiredness (fatigue)
- a change in your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea
- abdominal (tummy) pain
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- a noticeable mass or lump in your lower abdomen
- the appearance of sinus tracts on the surface of your abdomen
Pelvic actinomycosis
The symptoms of pelvic actinomycosis include:
- lower abdominal pain
- irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- loss of appetite
- tiredness (fatigue)
- mild fever
- a noticeable mass or lump in your pelvis (the bony structure that includes the hip bones)
