Enlarged, painful cervical and axillary lymph nodes in chronic paracoccidioidomycosis.

Abstract

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis is an important medical and social problem mainly in rural areas of Brazil, because of the high incidence of the diseases, its long clinical evolution, frequent recurrences and sequels leading to anatomical and functional incapacities.

Main observation: We present a 73-year-old patient with paracoccidioidomycosis showing significant lymph node manifestations, which are only common in children and teenagers.

Conclusions: Paracoccidioidomycosis may have a long incubation period, and it can be diagnosed outside of the endemic regions, where it was acquired. Thus, all dermatologists should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in unusual cases of extensive lymph node enlargement in the elderly patients.