Solitary Lingual Cysticercosis: A Rare Clinical Presentation of Taenia solium Infection

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, most commonly involving the central nervous system, eyes, skeletal muscles, and subcutaneous tissues. Oral involvement is rare, with the tongue being an uncommon site and often posing a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific presentation. We report a rare case of solitary lingual cysticercosis in a 23-year-old male presenting with a painless, slowly enlarging nodular swelling on the left lateral border of the tongue for four years. Clinical examination revealed a well-defined, firm, freely mobile mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed clear fluid with parasitic fragments, suggesting a parasitic etiology. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological examination demonstrated features of Cysticercus cellulosae, including a cyst wall with chronic inflammatory infiltrate and an identifiable scolex, confirming the diagnosis. The patient was successfully managed with surgical excision followed by Albendazole therapy, with an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering cysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of persistent oral nodules, especially in endemic regions.