Endobronchial cryptococcosis mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma: a case report

Endobronchial cryptococcosis is an uncommon manifestation of pulmonary fungal infection that can present with nonspecific clinical and radiological findings. We report a patient with persistent respiratory symptoms and weight loss, in whom imaging and bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial lesion suspicious for neoplasia. Histopathological examination of the bronchoscopic biopsy established the diagnosis of cryptococcal infection, enabling appropriate antifungal therapy. This case highlights the pivotal role of tissue diagnosis in establishing the correct aetiology of endobronchial lesions and highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of suspected pulmonary malignancy.