Lung Cancer Screening Reveals a Nonspiculated Nodule: Histoplasmosis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Lung nodules are frequently detected during radiographic screening for lung cancer.
• Malignancy is a primary concern for lung nodules, especially in smokers.
• Fungal infections can mimic neoplastic lesions on imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a lung nodule initially suspicious for malignancy.
• To highlight Histoplasma capsulatum as a differential diagnosis for lung nodules.
• To emphasize the importance of histopathological confirmation.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic screening for lung cancer.
• Histopathological evaluation of a non-spiculated lung nodule.
• Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Main Results:

• A 43-pack-year smoker presented with a lung nodule concerning for malignancy.
• Histologic examination revealed the nodule was caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
• The lesion was not a primary lung cancer.

Conclusions:

• Histoplasma capsulatum can present as a lung nodule mimicking malignancy on radiographic screening.
• Differential diagnosis for lung nodules should include fungal infections.
• Histopathological analysis is crucial for definitive diagnosis.