Mollecosis

Overview

Mollecosis is a chronic fungal lung disease caused by the long term inhalation of Angina putrida spores, most commonly found along the shorelines of rivers and in the network of caverns passing through the Iron Peaks of Rovia and Cafeld. It is most widely referred to by its nickname of Fisher's Chest, or Chest rot. Mollecosis, especially in its more aggressive presentations, is characterized by shortness of breath, heavy coughing, cyanosis, and the distinctive grey scirrhus tumors that develop along the patient's neck and upper chest that resemble inflamed fish scales.
Mollecosis, although once believed to only be found among lifelong fisherman, can actually be found among many other groups. It presents in an acute form and a chronic form. Chronic mollecosis is more likely to be recognized and correctly identified and treated as Fisher's Chest as opposed to the acute form, which is frequently misdiagnosed as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Acute mollecosis typically lasts for two to three weeks, although if it remains untreated it has the chance to develop into chronic mollecosis as well. The chronic form can affect the patient for anywhere from six months to the remainder of their lives. Both forms can be terminal diagnoses, depending on what species of Angina putrida spores the patient was exposed to, how much reached their lungs, and how long they were inhaling the spores.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute and chronic Mollecosis are very similar when they first present, and include:

• Chest pain
• Wet cough, often persistent
• Shortness of breath
• Cyanosis
• Dry, flaky skin or eczema
• Joint pain or swelling (uncommon)
• Fever (uncommon)
• Eye pain (uncommon)

Acute and chronic mollecosis begin in the same way, with chest pains and shortness of breath. Some people have described it as a sensation of their ribs being compressed and sunken into their lungs. Acute mollecosis symptoms manifest within a week of exposure to the fungus spores. The chest pain persists through the next phase of the illness, when the patient develops a severe cough and their skin begins to dry out. Any less common symptoms will present after the cough and chest pain develop. 
If the patient is treated for the infection and is in otherwise good health, the expected symptoms of mollecosis will persist for roughly 14-21 days. However, it is possible at this point for someone with a more severe infection to progress into chronic mollecosis, which includes the additional symptoms:

• Scirrhus tumors along the neck and chest
• Vertigo
• Extreme fatigue
• General pallor and malaise 

The scirrhus tumors are the most serious issue, as they are frequently cancerous and must be cracked off of the skin periodically, which can result in scarring and pain if not done carefully enough. Physicians can identify these tumors by their hard, translucent surfaces, and their distinctive grey blue sheen. A sufficiently advanced case of mollecosis can result in extreme chronic exhaustion, insufficient oxygenation, pneumothoraces, and the eventual death of the patient when their lungs collapse in on themselves entirely.

Type

Fungal

Origin

Mutated

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare