Liquid‐based cytology of pigmented phaeohyphomycotic lesion of the palm masquerading as a metastatic tumor

Abstract

Phaeohyphomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection caused by dematiaceous fungi, commonly involving the extremities, which present as single or multiple lesions mimicking a benign tumor. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an easy method for the diagnosis of the lesion. Morphology of the fungus is characteristic with no difficulty for cytopathologist for identification; with a close differential diagnosis of Candida and Aspergillosis. The special stains like periodic acid schiff (PAS) highlights the fungus and the Masson Fontana confirm the melanin pigment and dematiaceous nature of the fungi. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparation of the aspirated material was attempted, which is not usually performed on day to day basis. However, in our case the conventional smears were better for appreciating the fungal morphology.