Related Experiment Videos
Sparganosis in male breast
Cheng-Cheng Tung1, Jui-Wei Lin, Fong-Fu Chou
1Department of Trauma, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|March 15, 2005
Summary
Sparganosis, a tapeworm infection, can cause difficult-to-diagnose subcutaneous lesions. A case report details a man
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Sparganosis is a parasitic infection caused by the plerocercoid larva of Spirometra tapeworms.
- Infection occurs through consuming contaminated water or undercooked infected animals.
- Larval migration in tissues can lead to diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male presented with a breast mass, initially suspected to be gynecomastia or cancer.
- Surgical excision revealed an unexpected long white worm within the breast tissue.
- Pathological examination confirmed the presence of sparganosis.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the sparganum was successful in treating the patient.
- Mebendazole treatment was administered for one week post-surgery.
- No recurrence was observed during a one-year follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights sparganosis as a rare but possible cause of subcutaneous masses.
- Accurate diagnosis of sparganosis can be challenging, often requiring surgical exploration.
- Effective treatment involves surgical excision and antiparasitic medication, with good prognosis post-treatment.