A diagnostic challenge of tongue botryomycosis miming mycetoma—A case report

Botryomycosis of the tongue is a rare chronic bacterial infection that presents as nodular masses, mimicking other infectious or neoplastic conditions such as mycetoma. A case of an 80-year-old male was presented with painless swelling on the right lateral side of his tongue to the outpatient clinic. Biopsy and microbiological investigations revealed an unexpected Staphylococcus aureus-related botryomycosis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge for unusual clinical presentations of bacterial infections. Healthcare providers in countries endemic with diseases that manifest similarly should investigate thoroughly to ensure a positive clinical outcome through early diagnosis and effective case management.