Mycetomas are infections of the skin and underlying tissues that have the appearance of nodules or tumors. When such lesions are caused by funguses, they are known as eumycotic mycetomas. The fungus proliferates in the lesions and organ-izes into aggregates known as granules or grains. Granules may be of various colors and sizes, depending on the species of fungus involved.
Most eumycotic mycetomas are confined to the tissue beneath the skin, but some may be extensions of fungal infections in the abdomen. Inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal walls or abdominal masses is typically seen with cases of white-grain mycetomas. Black-grain mycetomas are usually characterized by skin nodules on the legs and feet or on the face. When the feet or limbs are involved, the infection may extend to the underlying bone.
The outlook for abdominal mycetomas is guarded because tissue involvement is usually extensive. Skin mycetomas, while not life-threatening, are often difficult to resolve. Surgical removal, including limb amputation, may be the only effective treatment for some cases of skin mycetomas. Antifungal medication has been reported as effective in only a few cases.