Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis: a clinicopathological study

Background: Phaeohyphomycosis is a subcutaneous or systemic infection characterized histologically by dark-colored fungal hyphae. With the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, the incidence of the disease has increased recently. The objective of the study is to emphasize the role of histopathology in the diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis. Methods: The biopsy specimens of seven cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis were examined using routine and special stains. The clinical presentation in these cases was also evaluated. Results and Conclusions: Diagnosis was made in all cases by demonstration of fungal structures. Histopathology is an important tool in the diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis. Phaeohyphomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of suppurative granulomatous inflammation presenting as subcutaneous nodules. Fine needle aspiration cytology can also be used as a diagnostic method.