Worm under the Skin—An Unusal Case of Filariasis

Abstract

Background: Filarial disease has a very high prevalence in South East Asian region especially India. It commonly presents as an affliction of the lymphatic system like acute lymphangitis and chronic lymphedema. Presentation of lymphatic filariasis as a subcutaneous nodule is a rare but previously reported scenario. Aim: We discuss a case with incidental detection of filaria in a subcutaneous nodule following excision biopsy. Case Presentation: 20-year-old male patient presented with subcutaneous swelling in left lower chest. Undergoing excision biopsy for same and on histopathological examination was found to be an encysted filarial worm. Conclusion: Such rare presentation of filariasis has been reported earlier also and should be kept in mind.