Hidden Intruder: A Rare Encounter of Dirofilaria Masquerading as a Breast Lump

Cureus. 2023 Dec 14;15(12):e50535. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50535. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Dirofilaria, commonly known as heartworm, is a parasitic nematode that primarily infects canines. However, human infections have been reported and can present as subcutaneous nodules in different parts of the body. We present a case of a 43-year-old female who presented with a breast lump that was ultimately diagnosed as a Dirofilaria infection, a rare occurrence in humans. This case report shows that considering parasites in unusual presentations is of utmost importance, especially in regions known to have a high prevalence of such infections.

Keywords: birads; breast lump; dirofilaria; mammogram; parasitic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports