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Cryptococcal infection of the breast
1Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Summary
Deep fungal breast infections are rare, often mimicking cancer. Successful treatment involves surgery and antifungal medication, with a need for systemic therapy to prevent recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Deep fungal infections of the breast are infrequently reported in medical literature.
- These infections often present as breast masses, leading to evaluations for neoplastic conditions.
Observation:
- A case of cryptococcal infection of the breast presented as a distinct mass lesion.
- The patient was successfully treated with surgical excision combined with fluconazole therapy.
Findings:
- Summarized eight additional cases of fungal breast infections from existing literature.
- Cryptococcal mastitis requires a comprehensive approach beyond surgical treatment alone.
Implications:
- Surgical treatment alone carries a risk of disseminated and recurrent cryptococcal infection.
- Systemic antifungal therapy and evaluation for disseminated disease are recommended for cryptococcal mastitis.