Oral Involvement in Cysticercosis: A Rare Case Report

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The larval stage, known as Cysticercus cellulosae, can lodge in various tissues of the body, with the most common sites being the brain, eyes, and skeletal muscles. Oral cysticercosis is considered a rare occurrence, and a precise clinical diagnosis is not usually established. We present a case of cysticercosis on the buccal mucosa of a patient and review of the relevant literature. A 21-year-old female patient presented with a swelling on the cheek that had been present for about three years. The lesion was painless and had shown a slow rate of growth was treated surgically and post op antihelminthic drugs. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment for localized cysticercosis, followed by antiparasitic medication like Albendazole and Praziquantel to prevent recurrence or dissemination. Prompt recognition and early, proactive treatment of cysticercosis are always advantageous, as they help avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and ensure a favorable outcome for the patient.