A HIDDEN PARASITE IN THE BREAST: A RARE CASE OF MAMMARY FILARIASIS

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis, caused primarily by Wuchereria bancrofti, is a common parasitic infection in tropical regions such as India, yet its manifestation in the breast remains exceedingly rare. We report the case of a 38-year-old female who presented with a gradually progressive, non-tender breast lump localized to the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Clinical and radiological evaluations suggested a benign cystic lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) revealed the presence of microfilariae in a background of mixed inflammatory infiltrate, leading to a diagnosis of breast filariasis. Subsequent histopathological examination confirmed a benign cystic lesion with chronic inflammation. The patient had no peripheral eosinophilia or systemic symptoms, underscoring the incidental nature of the finding. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for parasitic infections in endemic areas, even in the absence of classical features, and demonstrates the diagnostic value of FNAC in identifying uncommon presentations of filariasis that may mimic neoplastic conditions.