Warty erythematous papules and plaques on the arm of an Italian woman

The Role of Excision for Treatment of Chromoblastomycosis: A Cutaneous Fungal Infection Frequently Mistaken for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Chromoblastomycosis is a rare cutaneous disease caused by a wide variety of dematiaceous fungi that are generally found in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. 7,[15][16][17][18][19][20] Traumatic transcutaneous inoculation occurs via pricking or puncture wounds from splinters or decomposing vegetation. 5,6,13,15,17,21,22 Patients often have a history of minor or acute trauma, typically involving the lower extremities.…”

“…7,[15][16][17][18][19][20] Traumatic transcutaneous inoculation occurs via pricking or puncture wounds from splinters or decomposing vegetation. 5,6,13,15,17,21,22 Patients often have a history of minor or acute trauma, typically involving the lower extremities. 19,23 Although the time from onset of infection and duration of incubation varies, it has been estimated by previous studies that initial lesions materialize roughly 1 to 2 months after inoculation; nonetheless, some lesions have been documented to develop over the course of several years.…”

“…It often initially appears as an asymptomatic localized lesion, such as a papule or plaque that is typically pink or red in color. 6,7,15,16 As the disease progresses, the original infection can expand and evolve into a myriad of lesions ranging from scaly nodules and plaques to warty, verrucous growths with cauliflower-like appearances that could result in scars and ulcers. 16,17,19,21,24,25 Chromoblastomycosis has a tendency to mimic the appearance of squamous cell carcinoma, and can be mistaken for other cutaneous infections involving pigmented fungi; thus, diagnosis may be delayed.…”

“…Although rare, spread to muscle, bone, or internal organs is also possible; however, this is usually observed in immunosuppressed patients. 7,15,16,21,22 Secondary complications such as bacterial infections and skin cancer have been reported. 7,15,19,23,26 Consistent with previous findings regarding common presentations of chromoblastomycosis, 8 of 9 cases depicted in our study involved localized, cutaneous chromoblastomycosis on the extremities.…”

“…7,15,16,21,22 Secondary complications such as bacterial infections and skin cancer have been reported. 7,15,19,23,26 Consistent with previous findings regarding common presentations of chromoblastomycosis, 8 of 9 cases depicted in our study involved localized, cutaneous chromoblastomycosis on the extremities. 1,2,5,7,8,15,16,19,[26][27][28][29] Secondary lesions were observed in 1 of 9 cases.…”