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[Diagnostic image(44). Sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus)]
1Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, afd. Pathologie, Postbus 95.500, 1090 HM Amsterdam. j.l.g.blaauwgeers@olvg.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|July 18, 2001
Summary
A skin tag removal unexpectedly revealed a castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) in a 69-year-old woman. This finding highlights potential tick presence in seemingly benign skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Skin tags (acrochordons) are common benign neoplasms.
- Tick-borne diseases pose significant public health concerns.
- Cutaneous manifestations can sometimes be incidental findings during dermatological procedures.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female patient underwent removal of a thoracic skin tag.
- Macroscopic examination of the excised tissue was performed.
- Microscopic analysis of the specimen was conducted.
Findings:
- The removed thoracic skin tag was identified as a castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus).
- The tick was discovered incidentally during routine dermatological surgery.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of the arthropod.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of thorough examination of excised skin lesions, even those presumed benign.
- It highlights the potential for ectoparasites to be concealed within or attached to skin growths.
- Clinicians should maintain awareness of potential tick encounters in diverse clinical presentations, aiding in early diagnosis and prevention of tick-borne illnesses.