Candida Albicans Infection Masquerading as a Soft Tissue Tumour Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

A 60-year-old male, diabetic presented with a soft tissue mass over the right forearm of 15 days duration. The swelling was 5 x 3 cm and a clinical diagnosis of neurofibroma was made. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was done using standard technique. Smears showed predominantly suppurative inflammation, foreign body giant cells, granulomas and fungal hyphae. KOH mount, culture and germ tube test was positive. Final diagnosis of fungal granuloma was made. Fungal infections should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass lesion. All soft tissue suppurative inflammatory lesions should be diligently screened to look for pathogens if any. Diagnostics in medicine have taken a major leap with advent of molecular technologies. Despite this, simple old traditional methods like FNAC supplemented by other basic laboratory techniques like KOH mount and culture still form the cream of a diagnostic laboratory and can come as a savior for the pathologist, the clinicians and the patients.

Fungal infection mimicking soft tissue lesion: Role of on‐site evaluation, special stain, and cellblock

“…[Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] immunocompromised patients. 5 The incidence of Candida infection has increased in the recent 20 years possibly due to immunosuppression, travel, and environmental exposure. 6 It is generally underappreciated that while Candida is an opportunistic pathogen, the majority of patients (approx.…”

Cytopathological study of cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis presenting as soft-tissue swellings: A 5-year retrospective study from a tertiary care center in South India

“…The clinical presentation of Aspergillus depends on host immunity and can have varied presentations ranging from violaceous macules, to papules, hemorrhagic bullae, pustules, and subcutaneous abscess to ulcerative lesions. [ 5 ]…”

“…It can occur either by hematogenous route or traumatic inoculation. [ 5 ] Jinkala et al . in their 9-year study from South India have identified fungal elements on cytology in 24 out of 29 cases, of them 16 were reported as phaeohyphomycosis and four cases were reported as Aspergillus .…”

Facial candidiasis after maxillofacial trauma: A rare encounter

“…3,5 The possibility of Candida infection should be considered in such unimproved infections. 15 Early recognition with prompt treatment is mandatory to prevent sequelae of candidiasis and its haematogenous or contiguous spread. 15 Early recognition with prompt treatment is mandatory to prevent sequelae of candidiasis and its haematogenous or contiguous spread.…”

“…13,14 Clinicians should also remember how simple traditional routine clinical tests such as FNAC supplemented by good clinical history taking still are a saviour for reaching a diagnosis. 15 Early recognition with prompt treatment is mandatory to prevent sequelae of candidiasis and its haematogenous or contiguous spread. 6…”