Microfilariae in association with neoplastic lesions: report of five cases

Abstract

Microfilariae and adult filarial worms have occasionally been detected in association with neoplastic lesions in cytological smears. The presence of microfilariae along with neoplasms is generally regarded as a chance association, yet some authors suggest that such parasitic infestations may be a causative factor for tumourigenesis. There are only a few reported cases in cytology literature documenting this association. We report the presence of microfilariae in routine cytology smears from one benign and four malignant tumours. Microfilariae could not be identified on histopathology available in four of these cases.

Microfilariae in Fine Needle Aspirates From a Coastal District of India: An Experience With Brief Review of Literature

“…Microfilariae have been reported in association with neoplastic lesions such as hemangioma of liver [16], Ewing's sarcoma of bone [17], squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary antrum [18], anaplastic astrocytoma of thalamus, low grade astrocytoma of C6-D1 spinal segment, Metastatic carcinoma breast to bone marrow, cranipharyngioma of third ventricle and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [19].…”

Coexistence of filariasis with carcinoma breast – An incidental cytological finding

“…6 Incidental coexistence of microfilariae have also been found in various benign and neoplastic conditions like haemangioma of liver, meningiomas, carcinoma of uterine cervix, pharyngeal carcinoma and even leukaemia. 7 Exact mechanism of this association is not known, however as neoplastic lesions have rich blood supply, which can possibly explain the increase in the concentration of the microfilariae at the tumour site. Filarial infection of breast lesions, although unusual, commonly presents with a solitary palpable mass.…”

Microfilaria Causing Bone Marrow Failure

“…Microfilaria have been detected in cervicovaginal smears, endometrial smears, nipple secretions, ovarian cyst fluid, breast aspirates, hydrocele fluid, epididymal aspirates, urine samples, lung aspirates, pleural fluid, bronchial washings, ascitic fluid, intraoperative peritoneal fluid, lymph node aspirates, thyroid aspirates, salivary gland aspirates, bronchial brushings, laryngeal and pharyngeal brushings, gastric brushings, pericardial fluid, cutaneous nodule, soft tissue nodule, oral ulcer, bone marrow aspirates [2], brain aspirates and joint aspirates. Association of microfilariae with debilitating conditions suggests that it is an opportunistic infection [3]. Association of filariasis with neoplasm is often seen, although the role in tumorogenesis is controversial.…”