Mycetoma is a chronic suppurative disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, characterized by a symptomatic
triad: tumor, fistulas and grains. It can be caused by fungi (eumycetoma) and bacteria (actinomycetoma), with similar
clinical features. Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation and identification of the etiological agents in the tissue, by
mycological/bacteriological, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. It is important to specify the fungal or bacterial
etiology, because the treatments are different. An approach that involves early diagnosis, the use of systemic antibiotics or
antifungal agents, including surgical removal of lesions, is the basis for the treatment of these diseases. In this review, the most
commonly used diagnostic methods and treatments will be discussed. Also, we will review the history of the disease through
epidemiological and etiological aspects.