The following are the most common infections.
Learn their symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and how they are treated.
WhenAspergillusspores are breathed in, they can stay in the sinus or lung cavities and develop an infection.
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These nodules may progress into larger patches of nodules as the infection continues.
To diagnose this infection, a sample of tissue may be tested.
A biopsy of sputum cultures or cultures that are taken from deeper in the lungs may be necessary.
On imaging, it can vary in appearance, which can make it difficult to diagnose.
Coccidioidomycosis
Coccidioidomycosis is also referred to as valley fever.
It can enter the lungs by breathing in large amounts of dust in these areas.
This infection presents with symptoms of pneumonia, but may also cause headaches and skin rash.
This infection can be diagnosed through a blood test or through a tissue sample from the lungs.
The spores of the fungus can enter the body and develop an infection in the lungs.
However, it has the potential to cause an infection in thenervous systemas well.
If the infection is in the lungs, it presents with respiratory symptoms.
Once diagnosed, treatment is based on how severe the infection is.
How do you know if you have a fungal infection in your lungs?
Your healthcare provider may order testing such as X-rays or CT scans to evaluate symptoms.
Symptoms of histoplasmosis can include:
Blood or urine samples can be used to diagnose histoplasmosis.
In some cases, a sample of tissue or culture of the fluid from the lungs may be needed.
Some people do not require treatment, and the infection can go away without intervention.
Others may require months of antifungal medications.
Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis is an infection from molds calledmucormycetes.
These can be found in decaying wood, soil, leaves, and compost piles.
Mucormycosis is diagnosed through imaging the areas experiencing symptoms, by CT or X-ray.
Tissue samples or cultures also need to be taken.
Mucormycosis often requires treatment with intravenous antifungal medications, and possibly even surgery to remove the infected areas.
What fungal infection is most often mistaken for cancer?
The most common fungal infections that are mistaken for cancer include aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and mucormycosis.
To treat this condition, antifungal medications are usually given for about one year.
Can lung cancer be mistaken for an infection?
Yes, it can.
Primary Lung Cancer
When cancer starts in the lungs, it is referred to as primarylung cancer.
It is further classified into types of lung cancer based upon the cells in which the cancer originated.
Imaging tests can initially show growths that may be thought to be sparked by progressing cancer.
Because of the similarity in symptoms, diagnosis can be challenging.
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