Unique Oral Presentations of Deep Fungal Infections: A Report of Four Cases

Head Neck Pathol. 2021 Jun;15(2):682-690. doi: 10.1007/s12105-020-01217-0. Epub 2020 Sep 5.

Abstract

Deep fungal infections rarely involve the oral cavity and most commonly affect immunocompromised patients. Oral deep fungal infections typically manifest as chronic mucosal ulcerations or granular soft tissue overgrowths. Since these lesions are non-specific and can mimic malignancy, it is crucial to obtain a thorough clinical history and an adequate biopsy to render the appropriate diagnosis. We report four new cases of deep fungal infections, diagnosed as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and chromoblastomycosis, exhibiting unique oral and perioral presentations. Awareness of these unusual entities can help dental and medical practitioners expedite proper multidisciplinary care and minimize morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Blastomycosis; Chromoblastomycosis; Histoplasmosis; Invasive fungal infections; Mouth; Mycoses; Oral.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blastomycosis / pathology*
  • Chromoblastomycosis / pathology*
  • Female
  • Histoplasmosis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Diseases / microbiology
  • Mouth Diseases / pathology*