BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPulmonary aspergillomaFungus ball; Mycetoma; Aspergilloma; Aspergillosis - pulmonary aspergillomaPulmonary aspergilloma is a mass caused by a fungal infection. It usually grows in lung cavities. The infection can also appear in the brain, kidney, or other organs. Causes Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the fungus aspergillus. Aspergillomas are formed when the fungus grows in a clump in a lung cavity. The cavity is often created by a previous condition. Cavities in the lung may be caused by diseases such as:AspergillosisAspergillosis is an infection or allergic response due to the aspergillus fungus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberculosis TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coccidioidomycosis CoccidioidomycosisValley fever is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis enter your body through the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Histoplasmosis HistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung abscess Lung cancer SarcoidosisSarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The most common species of fungus that causes disease in humans is Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus is a common fungus. It grows on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost piles, and other decaying vegetation. Symptoms You may not have symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they can include:Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cough Coughing up blood, which can be a life-threatening sign Coughing up bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue Fever Unintentional weight lossUnintentional weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider may suspect you have a fungal infection after x-rays of your lungs show the ball of fungus. Other tests that may be done include:Biopsy of lung tissue Blood test for presence of aspergillus in the body (galactomannan) Blood test to detect immune response to aspergillus (specific antibodies for aspergillus) Bronchoscopy or bronchoscopy with lavage BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT Chest CTA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sputum cultureSputum cultureRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Many people never develop symptoms. Often, no treatment is needed, unless you are coughing up blood.Sometimes, antifungal medicines may be used.If you have bleeding in the lungs, your provider may recommend a test to inject dye into the blood vessels (angiography) to find the site of bleeding. The bleeding is stopped by either:Surgery to remove the aspergilloma Procedure that inserts material into the blood vessels to stop the bleeding (embolization) EmbolizationEndovascular embolization is a procedure to treat abnormal blood vessels in the brain and other parts of the body. It is an alternative to open surg...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome can be good in many people. However, it depends on the severity of the condition and your overall health.Surgery may be very successful in some cases, but it is complex and can have a high risk of serious complications. Possible Complications Complications of pulmonary aspergilloma may include:Difficulty breathing that gets worse Difficulty breathingBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Massive bleeding from the lung Spread of the infection When to Contact a Medical Professional See your provider if you cough up blood, and be sure to mention any other symptoms that have developed. Prevention People who have had related lung infections or who have weakened immune systems should try to avoid environments where the aspergillus fungus is found.Open ReferencesReferencesPatterson TF, Thompson GR 3rd, Denning DW, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aspergillosis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63(4):e1-e60. PMID: 27365388 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27365388/.Saullo JL, Alexander BD. Fungal infections: opportunistic. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 57.Walsh TJ. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 319.AllVideoImagesTogLungs - illustration The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.LungsillustrationPulmonary nodule - front view chest x-ray - illustration This x-ray shows a single lesion (pulmonary nodule) in the upper right lung (seen as a light area on the left side of the picture). The nodule has distinct borders (well-defined) and is uniform in density. Tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases can cause this type of lesion.Pulmonary nodule - front view chest x-rayillustrationPulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scan - illustration This CT scan shows a single lesion (pulmonary nodule) in the right lung. This nodule is seen as the light circle in the upper portion of the dark area on the left side of the picture. A normal lung would look completely black in a CT scan.Pulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scanillustrationAspergilloma - illustration Aspergillosis is an acute pulmonary infection caused by the aspergillus fungus. Aspergillus can cause illness three ways an allergic reaction in asthmatics, a colonization in scarred lung tissue, and an invasive infection with pneumonia, which can affect the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys.AspergillomaillustrationPulmonary aspergillosis - illustration Aspergillosis is an acute pulmonary infection caused by the aspergillus fungus. Aspergillus can cause illness three ways an allergic reaction in asthmatics; a colonization in scarred lung tissue; and an invasive infection with pneumonia which can affect the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys.Pulmonary aspergillosisillustrationAspergillosis - chest X-ray - illustration Aspergillosis is a fungal infection. The fungus invades and destroys tissue. This type of infection usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. Here, a chest x-ray shows that the fungus has invaded the lung tissue. The lungs are usually seen as black areas on an x-ray. The cloudiness on the left side of this x-ray is caused by the fungus.Aspergillosis - chest X-rayillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationLungs - illustration The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.LungsillustrationPulmonary nodule - front view chest x-ray - illustration This x-ray shows a single lesion (pulmonary nodule) in the upper right lung (seen as a light area on the left side of the picture). The nodule has distinct borders (well-defined) and is uniform in density. Tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases can cause this type of lesion.Pulmonary nodule - front view chest x-rayillustrationPulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scan - illustration This CT scan shows a single lesion (pulmonary nodule) in the right lung. This nodule is seen as the light circle in the upper portion of the dark area on the left side of the picture. A normal lung would look completely black in a CT scan.Pulmonary nodule, solitary - CT scanillustrationAspergilloma - illustration Aspergillosis is an acute pulmonary infection caused by the aspergillus fungus. Aspergillus can cause illness three ways an allergic reaction in asthmatics, a colonization in scarred lung tissue, and an invasive infection with pneumonia, which can affect the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys.AspergillomaillustrationPulmonary aspergillosis - illustration Aspergillosis is an acute pulmonary infection caused by the aspergillus fungus. Aspergillus can cause illness three ways an allergic reaction in asthmatics; a colonization in scarred lung tissue; and an invasive infection with pneumonia which can affect the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys.Pulmonary aspergillosisillustrationAspergillosis - chest X-ray - illustration Aspergillosis is a fungal infection. The fungus invades and destroys tissue. This type of infection usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. Here, a chest x-ray shows that the fungus has invaded the lung tissue. The lungs are usually seen as black areas on an x-ray. The cloudiness on the left side of this x-ray is caused by the fungus.Aspergillosis - chest X-rayillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationRelated Information Abscess(Condition)Histoplasmosis(Condition)Pulmonary tuberculosis(Condition)Aspiration pneumonia(Condition)Cystic fibrosis(Condition)Sarcoidosis(Condition)Lung cancer - small cell(Condition)Aspergillosis(Condition)Breathing difficulty(Symptoms)Pneumonia - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 9/10/2022 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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Pulmonary aspergillomaFungus ball; Mycetoma; Aspergilloma; Aspergillosis - pulmonary aspergillomaPulmonary aspergilloma is a mass caused by a fungal infection. It usually grows in lung cavities. The infection can also appear in the brain, kidney, or other organs. Causes Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the fungus aspergillus. Aspergillomas are formed when the fungus grows in a clump in a lung cavity. The cavity is often created by a previous condition. Cavities in the lung may be caused by diseases such as:AspergillosisAspergillosis is an infection or allergic response due to the aspergillus fungus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tuberculosis TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Coccidioidomycosis CoccidioidomycosisValley fever is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis enter your body through the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Histoplasmosis HistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung abscess Lung cancer SarcoidosisSarcoidosisSarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The most common species of fungus that causes disease in humans is Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus is a common fungus. It grows on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost piles, and other decaying vegetation. Symptoms You may not have symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they can include:Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cough Coughing up blood, which can be a life-threatening sign Coughing up bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue Fever Unintentional weight lossUnintentional weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider may suspect you have a fungal infection after x-rays of your lungs show the ball of fungus. Other tests that may be done include:Biopsy of lung tissue Blood test for presence of aspergillus in the body (galactomannan) Blood test to detect immune response to aspergillus (specific antibodies for aspergillus) Bronchoscopy or bronchoscopy with lavage BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT Chest CTA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sputum cultureSputum cultureRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Many people never develop symptoms. Often, no treatment is needed, unless you are coughing up blood.Sometimes, antifungal medicines may be used.If you have bleeding in the lungs, your provider may recommend a test to inject dye into the blood vessels (angiography) to find the site of bleeding. The bleeding is stopped by either:Surgery to remove the aspergilloma Procedure that inserts material into the blood vessels to stop the bleeding (embolization) EmbolizationEndovascular embolization is a procedure to treat abnormal blood vessels in the brain and other parts of the body. It is an alternative to open surg...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome can be good in many people. However, it depends on the severity of the condition and your overall health.Surgery may be very successful in some cases, but it is complex and can have a high risk of serious complications. Possible Complications Complications of pulmonary aspergilloma may include:Difficulty breathing that gets worse Difficulty breathingBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Massive bleeding from the lung Spread of the infection When to Contact a Medical Professional See your provider if you cough up blood, and be sure to mention any other symptoms that have developed. Prevention People who have had related lung infections or who have weakened immune systems should try to avoid environments where the aspergillus fungus is found.Open ReferencesReferencesPatterson TF, Thompson GR 3rd, Denning DW, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aspergillosis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63(4):e1-e60. PMID: 27365388 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27365388/.Saullo JL, Alexander BD. Fungal infections: opportunistic. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 57.Walsh TJ. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 319.