PULMONARY MYCETOMA DUE TO CANDIDAALBICANS MASQUERADING BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA IN A PATIENT WITH TYPE -2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Fungal lesions of lung presenting as a mass are called mycetomas. Mycetoma is a conglomeration of cellular debris and mucous with finely woven fungal hyphae present in a cavity in pulmonary parenchyma or a bronchus.The most common infections causing pulmonary mycetoma are aspergillus.Candida species causing pulmonary mycetoma is rare. A70 year old patient of Diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), presented with acute on chronic respiratory symptoms. On contrast enhanced CT scan of thorax he was diagnosed as having a heterogeneously enhancing mass lesion in left lower lobe and minimal pleural effusion with a provisional diagnosis of neoplasm. Thorough examination of oral cavity revealed thrush. CT guided biopsy confirmed pulmonary candidiasis. Patient responded well to medical treatment. Only a few such cases have been reported in literature.