Clinical characteristics of pulmonary cryptococcosis coexisting with lung adenocarcinoma: Three case reports

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) is an invasive fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus species, affecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
• Radiographic findings of PC, particularly pulmonary nodules or masses, can resemble lung cancer, complicating differential diagnosis.
• Coexistence of PC and lung malignancies is uncommon but clinically significant.

Observation:

• This report details three cases of concurrent pulmonary cryptococcosis and lung adenocarcinoma.
• Diagnosis was established through video-assisted thoracic surgery lung biopsy.
• All three cases were successfully managed with early diagnosis and treatment.

Findings:

• The study identifies pulmonary nodules/masses on CT scans as a common manifestation of PC.
• It underscores the potential for misdiagnosis due to overlapping imaging features between PC and lung cancer.
• The successful management of coexisting PC and adenocarcinoma is demonstrated.

Implications:

• This case series serves as a crucial reminder for clinicians to consider PC in the differential diagnosis of lung nodules, even in the presence of adenocarcinoma.
• Prompt diagnosis and integrated treatment strategies are vital for improving patient prognosis in such complex cases.
• Further research into the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of coexisting fungal infections and lung cancer is warranted.