Cysticercosis of Tongue: A Case Report

Abstract

Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, is a common parasitic infection but rarely involves the oral cavity. We describe a case of 28-year-old male, who presented with a painless cystic swelling on the right side of the tongue for one year. Excision biopsy revealed characteristic features of Cysticercus cellulosae, including a corrugated membranous structure with inflammatory response in the surrounding stroma. Oral cysticercosis often mimics benign lesions such as fibroma or lipoma, complicating clinical diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology can suggest the diagnosis, but histopathological examination remains the gold standard for confirmation. The patient was managed with complete surgical excision and antiparasitic therapy, with favourable outcome. This case highlights the rarity of lingual involvement, the importance of maintaining diagnostic suspicion in cystic swellings, and the critical role of histopathology in achieving definitive diagnosis.