title: Head and neck manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis: an epidemiological study of 36 cases in Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It is the principal systemic mycosis in Brazil, with higher incidence rates in the southern, southeastern, and midwestern regions. It primarily involves the lungs, but head and neck manifestations are common, and differential diagnosis with granulomatous and neoplastic diseases should therefore be considered.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of paracoccidioidomycosis cases with head and neck manifestations in southern Brazil over a 10-year period, from 1998 to 2008.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 36 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis were confirmed by histopathological examination, fungal investigation, or culture. Most cases consisted of men with smoking and/or chronic drinking habits and with poor hygiene and nutrition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Paracoccidioidomycosis is endemic to southern Brazil. Most cases with mucocutaneous manifestations affect the head and neck region. Given that risk factors and clinical manifestations are similar to those of head and neck carcinomas, a differential diagnosis has to be done.
authors: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Santa Rita Hospital, Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. fabiomgirardi@gmail.com
authors: F M
authors: FM
authors: Girardi
authors: M L
authors: ML
authors: Scroferneker
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Gava
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Pruinelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000382:microbiology*; D010228:Paracoccidioides / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010229:Paracoccidioidomycosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies