Definition of Pulmonary aspergilloma (mycetoma):

Pulmonary aspergilloma is a mass caused by a fungal infection that usually grows in lung cavities. It can also appear in the brain, kidney, or other organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Aspergillomas are formed when the fungus aspergillus grows in a clump in a lung cavity, or invades previously healthy tissue, causing an abscess.

Aspergillus is a common fungus. It grows on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost piles, and other decaying vegetation. Cavities in the lung may have been caused by:

• Coccidiomycosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Histoplasmosis
• Lung abscess
• Lung cancer
• Sarcoidosis
• Tuberculosis

See also: Aspergillosis