Cutaneous fungal granuloma in a cat
Fine needle aspirate from a nodular cutaneous mass on the nasal planum of a cat.
Diagnosis
Granulomatous inflammation associated with fungal infection (fungal granuloma)
Discussion
This is most likely a case of phaeohyphomycosis, an opportunistic fungal infection caused by ubiquitous saprophytes or plant pathogens. These fungi typically produce pigmented fungal hyphae in mammalian tissue, although the pigment is not evident in routinely prepared cytological specimens. The disease most commonly manifests as a primary cutaneous or subcutaneous infection and lesions are mostly found on the distal extremities, particularly the nasal planum of cats. Histopathology and fungal culture are required for definitive diagnosis. Treatment includes complete surgical excision (where possible) with/without systemic antifungal therapy.