title: Invasive maxillary aspergillosis masquerading as malignancy in two cases: Utility of cytology as a rapid diagnostic tool.
abstract: Fungi have emerged as important etiological agents for chronic sinusitis. Invasive aspergillosis has been reported in immunocompromised individuals or diabetics; however, it is uncommonly seen in immunocompetent patients. Definitive diagnosis of these lesions is based on histological examination and fungal culture. We report two cases of invasive maxillary lesions in immunocompetent patients, clinically suspected of malignancy; however, fine needle aspiration cytology showed fungal hyphae, morphologically suggestive of Aspergillus, which was later confirmed on histopathology. Aspiration cytology thus plays a crucial role in the early and definitive diagnosis of fungal sinusitis in cases clinico-radiologically suspected of malignancy. An early diagnosis will help the clinician for early and appropriate management and follow-up in order to decrease the high morbidity and mortality associated with it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Divya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Nidhi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mahajan
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Nita
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Khurana
authors.forename: Shyama
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jain
keywords: Aspergillosis; cytology; fungal sinusitis; immunocompromised