Work

An unusual presentation of cysticercosis as a chest wall mass: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the tapeworm Taenia solium and most commonly affects the brain. Cysticercosis presenting as a chest wall mass is rare and can pose a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 4-year-old female child who presented with a 3-month history of a progressively increasing, painless swelling on the right lateral chest wall. Examination revealed a 2 × 3 cm, well-defined, cystic mass in the anterior axillary line. Ultrasound suggested a subcutaneous epidermoid cyst; however, histopathology showed the presence of scolices within the cyst, lined by giant cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, revealing the diagnosis of cysticercosis. The patient was treated with albendazole and is clinically stable. This case report highlights the importance of considering cysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of chest wall masses, particularly in endemic countries.

Source: IDCases

DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2025.e02474

Authors: Eden Belay Tilahun, Denis Oluka, Abraham Sisay Abie, Ayuel Isaac Abiel nyok, Lubega Ronald, Felix Oyania

Institution: Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic infections in humans and animals

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,370