Filariasis presenting as a breast lump

Area of Science:

• Tropical medicine
• Parasitology
• Oncology

Background:

• Lymphatic filariasis is a significant public health concern in endemic regions like Myanmar.
• Breast involvement in lymphatic filariasis is exceptionally rare, often misdiagnosed.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Observation:

• A case of a patient presenting with a palpable breast lump.
• Initial diagnostic workup for the breast lump was inconclusive.
• Further investigations revealed parasitic involvement consistent with filariasis.

Findings:

• The breast lump was confirmed to be caused by lymphatic filariasis.
• This presentation highlights an unusual manifestation of a common parasitic disease.
• Microscopic examination confirmed the presence of filarial parasites.

Implications:

• This case expands the differential diagnosis for breast lumps in endemic areas.
• Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in breast pathology.
• Suggests the need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding rare presentations of filariasis.