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Cryptococcosis presenting as anterior neck swelling in an immunocompetent man: a case report

Poonam Elhence1, Rani Bansal

  • 1Department of Pathology, Subharti Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. poonamelhence@sify.com

Acta Cytologica
|March 25, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, can affect anyone, even those with strong immune systems. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a quick diagnostic tool for cryptococcosis, enabling prompt treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Diagnostic Cytopathology

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans.
  • Immunocompromised individuals are highly susceptible to disseminated cryptococcosis, affecting multiple organs.
  • Infections in immunocompetent hosts are rare but documented.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old immunocompetent male presented with an anterior neck swelling.
  • Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed for diagnosis.

Findings:

  • FNAC rapidly diagnosed the neck swelling as cryptococcosis.
  • This highlights the utility of FNAC in unexpected cases.

Implications:

  • Fine needle aspiration cytology is a valuable, rapid diagnostic method for cryptococcosis.
  • Early diagnosis facilitates timely therapeutic intervention.
  • This case underscores cryptococcosis as a potential diagnosis in immunocompetent individuals presenting with localized swelling.

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