Microfilaria with neoplasm – a chance diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology

Abstract

Filariasis is endemic in developing countries with highest prevalence in India. Detection of microfilariae, adult worm or egg in fine needle aspirate is very unusual despite the high incidence of this parasite. Its association with neoplasia is still rare with only a few reported cases of coexistent microfilaria with neoplasm. We report a case of a 70 year male with cervical lymphadenopathy where cytological diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with chance detection of filariasis was made. This case highlights the importance of cytological smear as a useful diagnostic aid for detection of parasites in clinically unsuspected cases.