Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025

An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
Pseudofungi in an Immunocompromised Patient with Breast Cancer and COVID-19
Nadeem Bilani1, Leah Elson1, Diane Carlson2
1Department of Hematology-Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Herein, we present a case of a male patient with breast cancer and a recent history of COVID-19 pneumonia, diagnosed with pseudofungi on pathological examination of lymph nodes after mastectomy. Pseudofungi are septate hyphae-like structures that morphologically mimic fungal elements despite the absence of true mycosis and thus predispose to overtreatment if not properly identified. We report a review of similar cases involving this diagnostic mimicker in the literature.
Insights
This study reports a male breast cancer patient with pseudofungi in lymph nodes post-COVID-19. Proper identification is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment of fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Male breast cancer is rare, and post-COVID-19 complications are increasingly recognized.
- Pathological examination of lymph nodes is critical for cancer staging and treatment planning.
- Morphological mimics in pathology can lead to diagnostic errors and inappropriate therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Fungal Group Zygomycota
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...

