Anthrax of the lower lip

Anthrax of the oral cavity and oropharynx is well known, whereas anthrax of the lips is very rare. We present a case of anthrax of the lower lip in a 57-year-old man. The infection was characterized by a wide, black eschar, surrounded by vesicles, crusts, and erythematous-edematous halo, with submandibular and laterocervical lymphadenopathy. The oral cavity, oropharynx, and tonsils were normal. Laboratory examinations revealed leukocytosis and increased inflammatory markers. Otolaryngologic, gastrointestinal, lung, and neurologic examinations were negative. The patient was successfully treated with oral ciprofloxacin. Although rare, anthrax should be considered in the differential clinical diagnosis in patients returning from areas where this disease is endemic.