Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
08:59
Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Sampling Using a Mini-Liposuction Technique
Published on: September 27, 2021
3.6K
Subcutaneous Sparganosis on Abdomen Mimicking Multiple Lipomas
Seung Ki Ahn1, Hwan Jun Choi1, Jun Hyuk Kim1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology
|November 13, 2019
Summary
Human sparganosis, a food-borne zoonosis caused by Spirometra, often presents as a subcutaneous mass. Careful patient history is crucial for diagnosing this condition, which can mimic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Human sparganosis is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by Spirometra tapeworm plerocercoids.
- It commonly manifests as a subcutaneous mass, often mistaken for a malignant tumor, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented: a 66-year-old woman with a lipoma-like mass and a 35-year-old woman with an asymptomatic abdominal nodule.
- Pathological examination confirmed sparganosis in both patients, with one recalling raw frog consumption 60 years prior.
Findings:
- Sparganosis can present as movable, hard, painless subcutaneous masses or asymptomatic nodules.
- The size of the sparganum can vary significantly, with one case revealing a 24 cm specimen.
Implications:
- Despite decreased incidence due to improved sanitation, sparganosis remains a clinical challenge.
- Thorough patient history, including dietary habits, is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of sparganosis.
