Pulmonary Aspergilloma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pulmonary Aspergilloma?
A pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in lung diseases, usually treats pulmonary aspergilloma. This doctor orders and reads imaging, manages antifungal treatment, and works with a surgeon when an operation might be needed. Some patients also see an infectious disease doctor.
What it is
A pulmonary aspergilloma is a ball of fungus that grows inside a lung. The fungus is called Aspergillus, a mold that lives in soil, dust, and decaying plants. The ball usually forms inside a space left behind by an old infection or injury.
Symptoms
Many aspergillomas cause no symptoms and are found by accident on a chest X-ray. When symptoms do appear, they often include a lasting cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fatigue. Coughing up blood is the symptom that brings most people to the doctor, ranging from small streaks to larger amounts.
Causes and who gets it
An aspergilloma forms when Aspergillus spores are breathed in and settle into a damaged area of the lung, where they grow into a ball of fungus fibers, blood clots, and debris. The most common cause of that damage is tuberculosis, which can leave holes in the lung. Other causes include sarcoidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and old abscesses. People with weakened immune systems face a higher risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually start with a chest X-ray, often followed by a CT scan, which can show the round fungus ball sitting inside a lung cavity. Blood tests can check for signs the immune system has reacted to Aspergillus, and a coughed-up sample may be tested for the fungus. Because other growths can look similar on scans, doctors sometimes repeat imaging over time.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the aspergilloma is causing problems. If a person has no symptoms, doctors often recommend watching it with regular scans. When coughing up blood or other symptoms appear, options include antifungal medicines, a procedure called bronchial artery embolization that blocks the bleeding vessel, or surgery to remove the affected part of the lung. The choice depends on the size of the ball, the amount of bleeding, and the person's overall health.
When to see a doctor
Anyone who coughs up blood should contact a doctor promptly, even if the amount seems small. Seek emergency care right away if the bleeding is heavy, breathing becomes very hard, or there is severe chest pain. A cough lasting more than a few weeks, fevers that will not go away, or unplanned weight loss also deserve a medical visit.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can order the first chest X-ray, run early lab work, and monitor a simple, symptom-free aspergilloma. When coughing up blood, complex imaging, or surgery enters the picture, the doctor will refer the patient to a pulmonologist and can coordinate follow-up care.
Common questions
Is a pulmonary aspergilloma cancer?
No, it is a clump of fungus, not cancer. However, other growths can look similar on scans, so doctors may run tests to be sure.
Can it go away on its own?
Some aspergillomas shrink or disappear without treatment. Doctors often monitor the condition with repeat scans before deciding on treatment.
Is it contagious?
No, you cannot catch an aspergilloma from another person. The mold comes from the environment, such as soil, dust, and decaying plant matter.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
