Cysticerci in palpable nodules diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology.

INTRODUCTION Cysticercosis is the larval manifestation of the cestode T. solium. It commonly presents as subcutaneous and intramuscular nodules which is often clinically misinterpreted as benign mesenchymal lesions and lymph nodes. Cysticerci in subcutaneous nodules can be diagnosed rapidly and with considerable accuracy by FNAC. This study highlights the cytomorphological features of subcutaneous cysticercosis diagnosed by FNAC. METHODS Forty three patients with palpable nodules diagnosed as cysticercosis or suspected as cysticercosis by FNAC between August 2005 to July 2008 were included in the study. Excision biopsy was done in 12 cases where definitive evidence of parasite was not found. RESULTS Solitary nodules were present in 36 (83%) patients and multiple nodules were present in seven (17%). In 31 cases (72.09%) definite evidence of cysticercus was found. In 12 cases (27.9%) a suggestion of parasitic inflammation was made based on other cytomorphological features which was confirmed by biopsy in eight cases. CONCLUSIONS Human cysticercosis commonly presents as subcutaneous nodules which can be diagnosed with considerable accuracy by FNAC. Definite evidence and suggestion of parasitic inflammation on cytology obviates the need for subsequent histopathological examination.