Isolated lingual cysticercosis: A rare case diagnosed on cytology

Abstract

Cysticercosis is caused by larval stage of Taenia solium called cysticercus cellulosae. Cysticercosis most commonly infects skeletal muscles, subcutaneous tissues, brain and ocular tissue. On extensive search of literature, only around 64 cases of lingual cysticercosis have been reported till date. We report a case of cysticercosis of tongue in a 35-year-old male who presented with a painless, slowly growing swelling over the lateral border of tongue. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed wavy integument of cysticercus cellulosae alongwith inflammatory cells. The findings were confirmed on histopathology. No other cystic swelling was encountered in the body on retrospective examination and investigations. This case is being presented on account of its rarity as well as the utility of FNAC as a primary diagnostic technique in evaluation of parasitic lesions.