A manifestation of cutaneous aspergillosis in immunocompetent host: A rare presentation as forearm mass lesion

The Aspergillus species is a ubiquitous fungus, which can cause pathogenic and opportunistic fungal infections in the immunocompromised. This is an atypical occurrence in the host with an otherwise normal immune status. We report a case of an immunocompetent 45-year-old patient who developed cutaneous aspergillosis with a very benign course presenting simply with a gradually enlarging mass and none of the classical signs and symptoms. All prior laboratory examinations failed to detect or reproduce the organism or establish a diagnosis. Surgery was both diagnostic and therapeutic, to remove the mass which causes the patient pain and limitation of activity. This was to our advantage because the fungal elements were very well encapsulated and the mass was a well-organized conglomeration of cystic abscesses that even prolonged chemotherapy alone might not succeed in eradicating the infection.