Cervicofacial actinomycotic infection

This code represents an infection caused by Actinomyces bacteria, specifically affecting the head and neck region, including the face, jaw, and cervical lymph nodes. It typically presents as a chronic, slowly progressive inflammatory lesion that can form abscesses, draining sinuses, and indurated masses.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of actinomycosis localized to the cervicofacial area. This diagnosis is often supported by microbiological culture identifying Actinomyces species from affected tissue or pus, or characteristic histopathological findings.

• Ensure documentation specifies "cervicofacial" involvement; other anatomical sites of actinomycosis require different codes.
• Distinguish from other bacterial or fungal infections that may present similarly, such as Nocardiosis or deep fungal infections.
• Look for terms like "lumpy jaw," "wooden induration," or "sulfur granules" in the clinical notes, which are highly suggestive of actinomycosis.