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Pulmonary Aspergilloma (Mycetoma)
Alternate Names : Aspergilloma, Fungus Ball, Mycetoma
Definition Pulmonary aspergilloma is a mass caused by a fungal infection that usually grows in pre-existing lung cavities. It can also appear in the brain, kidney, or other organs.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Aspergillomas are formed when the fungus Aspergillus grows in a clump in a pre-existing pulmonary (lung) cavity or when the organism invades previously healthy tissue, causing an abscess.
Aspergillus is a common fungus. It grows on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost piles, and other decaying vegetation. Pre-existing cavities in the lung may have been caused by a previous infection, such as histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, lung abscess, or by cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or previous lung cancer. See also aspergillosis.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Aspergillosis
• Aspiration Pneumonia
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Histoplasmosis
• Lung Cancer - Small Cell
• Pulmonary Aspergillosis - Invasive Type
• Pulmonary Tuberculosis
• Sarcoidosis
Tests & Exams
• Bronchoscopy
• Chest X-Ray
• Routine Sputum Culture
• Thoracic CT
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Cough
• Coughing Up Blood
• Fever
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 11/16/2002
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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