Mycetoma or pseudomycetoma? A distinctive mycosis caused by dermatophytes.

A 13-year old black girl presented with an unusual scalp lesion felt to be compatible with mycotic granuloma. She had undergone surgery two years earlier for removal of three similar scalp lesions. Material excised during surgical removal of the cyst-like lesion again revealed histopathology compatible with mycotic granuloma. Surgical material cultured out pure growth of a fungus identified as Microsporum canis Bodin. Subsequent histopathological study of the infected tissue resulted in a diagnosis of dermatophytic 'mycetoma'. The disease will be reviewed and discussed as regards its nomenclature, histopathology and salient clinical features.