Pulmonary cryptococcosis mimicking lung cancer: 3 case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pulmonary cryptococcosis is an opportunistic pathogen. However, it is difficult to differentiate it from other diseases by imaging. Therefore, the clinical presentation and imaging features of patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis are analyzed and summarized to improve clinicians' early recognition of the disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case where preoperative imaging was difficult to differentiate between pulmonary cryptococcosis and non-small cell lung cancer. A pathological biopsy was taken by surgical treatment to clarify the diagnosis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Three cases of Cryptococcus pulmonary patients diagnosed by pathology in our department were analyzed. We believe that the diagnosis should be confirmed as soon as possible through surgery, relevant laboratory tests, and pathological examinations, and antifungal treatment should be carried out in time. CONCLUSION: We believe that an earlier and clearer diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis requires an earlier interplay of imaging, pathology, testing, and individual patient differences.