Histoplasmosis masquerading as solitary oral ulcer: An unusual case report

Abstract

Ulcers in the oral cavity are one of the common problems of a dental patient. The onset, duration, frequency, location, and symptoms are very specifi c and diagnostic in most cases. Oral presentation of histoplasmosis as the only entity is a very rare manifestation. This case report of a 60-year-old male with isolated oral histoplasmosis emphasizes the need for clinicians to be aware of uncommon conditions presenting orally or as the only manifestations of a disease. Early diagnosis and identifi cation of the underlying disease is the duty of an alert clinician, which helps to reduce morbidity and mortality to a greater extent. We present a case of a 60-year-old male who reported with a painful ulcer in his left cheek since about 5 months, which fi nally came to be diagnosed as isolated oral histoplasmosis. Opportunistic fungal infection occurring in acquired immunodefi ciency syndrome accounts to signifi cant morbidity. Early diagnosis and identifi cation of the underlying disease is the duty of an alert clinician.