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Toxoplasmic Lymphadenitis Presenting as a Tiny Neck Tumor
Shih-Lung Chen1,2, Jim-Ray Chen2,3, Shih-Wei Yang2,4
1Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Toxoplasmic lymphadenitis (TL), a global zoonosis, can present as a neck mass. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (US-guided FNAC) is a valuable first-line diagnostic tool for suspected cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Oncology
Background:
- Toxoplasmic lymphadenitis (TL) is a common worldwide zoonotic infection caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*.
- It frequently affects lymph nodes, particularly in the head and neck region.
- Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical presentation, imaging, serology, and histopathology.
Observation:
- A case of a 51-year-old female presenting with a rapidly growing left posterior neck mass is described.
- The mass was evaluated using ultrasound (US).
- Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (US-guided FNAC) was performed for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination and serological tests confirmed the diagnosis of TL.
- US-guided FNAC provided crucial diagnostic information.
- En bloc resection of the affected lymph node was performed.
Implications:
- US-guided FNAC is proposed as a primary diagnostic method for small neck masses.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of TL can guide appropriate treatment strategies.
- This case highlights the utility of minimally invasive techniques in diagnosing parasitic infections.
