Histoplasmosis in nasopharynx clinically mistaken for nasopharyngeal malignancy

Abstract

Abstract Histoplasmosis is a rare type of fungal infection which may manifest as a respiratory disease or as a disseminated infection. It is common in immunocompromised patients and, in recent times, seen in association with COVID-19. On histopathological examination, many intracellular and extracellular yeast forms are seen, which can be confirmed by fungal stains. Histoplasmosis involving the nasopharyngeal region is quite rare. Till date, only less than 100 cases of pharyngo-laryngeal histoplasmosis have been reported. Such cases are clinico-radiologically easily and frequently mistaken for malignancy. Here, we report a case that initially had COVID-19-like symptoms and later presented with a nasopharyngeal mass clinico-radiologically mistaken as a nasopharyngeal malignancy. The diagnosis was established on histopathological examination and the patient recovered completely with anti-fungal treatment. A high grade of suspicion and thorough histopathological examination, especially in immunocompromised patients, complimented by fungal special stains is quite rewarding as even a disseminated disease is curable.