Helminthic infections mimicking malignancy: a review of published case reports

Florian H Pilsczek

doi:10.3855/jidc.840

Abstract

Infectious diseases, including infections with helminths, can initially present similarly to malignancies. The goal of the article is to review reports of helminthic infections that are initially diagnosed as malignancy. The database PubMed was searched for English language references published as of July 2009. The following published case reports and case series, mainly from Asia and Africa, were identified: Nematodes: 8 publications (1 patient with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, 2 Stronglyloides stercoralis, 1 Toxocara species, 1 Dioctophyma renale, 1 Ascaris species, 1 Gnathostoma spinigerum, 1 Dirofilaria repens); Trematodes: 7 publications (46 patients with Schistosoma species, 2 Fasciola hepatica, 1 Paragonimus westermani); Cestodes: 6 publications (10 patients with Echinococcus species, 1 Sparganum mansoni). To avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment, physicians should be aware when diagnosing patients from Asia or Africa that a large number of helminthic infections can present similar to malignancies.

Highlights

Infectious diseases can have an initial presentation similar to that of malignancy
This review identified 21 published reports of helminthic infections, describing in total 68 patients, which were initially considered to be malignancies (Table 1)
Patients with Schistosoma species infection were from Africa and South America and patients with Echinococcus species infection were from Asia

Summary

Introduction

Infectious diseases can have an initial presentation similar to that of malignancy. Familiarity with infections presenting with features similar to malignancy is useful because infections initially diagnosed as malignancy and managed and treated can lead to unnecessary interventions, including invasive procedures. This article focuses on helminthic infections and reviews published case reports of helminthic infections which were initially considered to be malignancies. Infectious diseases, including infections with helminths, can initially present to malignancies. The goal of the article is to review reports of helminthic infections that are initially diagnosed as malignancy. Conclusion: To avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment, physicians should be aware when diagnosing patients from Asia or Africa that a large number of helminthic infections can present similar to malignancies

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