Primary Invasive Oral Aspergillosis: An Updated Literature Review

Aspergillus species are ubiquitous and exposure to this fungus is frequent, yet disease due to tissue invasion is uncommon in the immunocompetent host. However, in the immunocompromised patient, there is an increased incidence of invasive aspergillosis.' Patients with acute leukemia are particularly susceptible to invasive aspergillosis, with the lungs being the most common site. The major predisposing factor seems to be the associated chemotherapy-induced granulocytopenia.(2) Although pulmonary invasive aspergillosis is most common, other anatomical sites have been described as rare including the skin, sinuses, cerebral meninges, myocardium, liver, thyroid, renal tissues, and bone.(3) Primary invasive oral aspergillosis is also rare, and there is limited information addressing this problem.(4.5) A critical review and update of the literature was performed, followed by discussion of differential diagnosis, histopathology, and treatment options. In addition, a case of primary invasive Aspergillus of the palate in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is presented.