Incidental coenurosis: larval cestode presenting as an axillary mass

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Zoology

Background:

• Coenurosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of tapeworms in the genus Multiceps.
• Human infections are rare, with fewer than 100 documented cases globally.
• This case highlights a rare presentation of coenurosis in an unusual anatomical location.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old Nigerian woman presented with an axillary mass.
• The patient had a prior history of breast cancer.
• Biopsy of the axillary mass revealed a coenurus, the larval form of a Multiceps cestode.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of coenurosis was confirmed through histopathological examination.
• This represents a rare instance of human infection with the Multiceps genus.
• The patient's history of breast cancer was noted as a potential confounding factor or co-morbidity.

Implications:

• Surgical excision is the primary treatment for human coenurosis.
• Increased awareness of coenurosis is needed, especially in endemic regions.
• Further research into the epidemiology and transmission of Multiceps in humans is warranted.