ORAL PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS REFERRED AS AN ORAL CANCER: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is frequently observed in South and Central America. It is commonly a primary pulmonary disease that can be spread by hematogenous or lymphatic pathways. A black 60-year-old man from a rural area was referred by the dentist to the Stomatology Clinic with a diagnostic hypothesis of oral cancer. His main complaint was an "oral canker sore" with 3 months of evolution. He revealed alcohol abuse, hypertension, and treated gonorrhea. Intraoral examination identified a painful vegetant lesion, with hemorrhagic dots, on the mucosa of the upper right alveolar ridge extending to the vestibule, buccal mucosa, and upper lip. The clinical hypothesis was paracoccidioidomycosis. A cytopathologic examination, incisional biopsy, and panoramic and occlusal radiographs were performed. There was no bone involvement, and the cytopathologic and histopathologic diagnosis was paracoccidioidomycosis. The patient was referred to the infectologist and is currently being treated. Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is frequently observed in South and Central America. It is commonly a primary pulmonary disease that can be spread by hematogenous or lymphatic pathways. A black 60-year-old man from a rural area was referred by the dentist to the Stomatology Clinic with a diagnostic hypothesis of oral cancer. His main complaint was an "oral canker sore" with 3 months of evolution. He revealed alcohol abuse, hypertension, and treated gonorrhea. Intraoral examination identified a painful vegetant lesion, with hemorrhagic dots, on the mucosa of the upper right alveolar ridge extending to the vestibule, buccal mucosa, and upper lip. The clinical hypothesis was paracoccidioidomycosis. A cytopathologic examination, incisional biopsy, and panoramic and occlusal radiographs were performed. There was no bone involvement, and the cytopathologic and histopathologic diagnosis was paracoccidioidomycosis. The patient was referred to the infectologist and is currently being treated.