Unusual site of presentation of W. Bancrofti with various forms of filaria seen on cytology smears - Report of 2 cases

Filariasis is a major public health problem in tropical countries like India, China, Indonesia, Africa and the Far East. Aspiration cytology often helps in demonstration of microfilaria and its various forms, from uncommon diverse areas and in unusual clinical presentations like subcutaneous swelling caused by W.bancrofti in our cases. In our cases various forms of W.bancrofti were seen on cytology. Microfilria being most common form seen on cytology, adult worm, coiled forms (embryos) and ova seen less often. FNAC can be helpful in diagnosis of symptomatic as well as asymptomatic cases of lymphatic filariasis. During cytological evaluation of tissue fluids and aspirate from lesions of any part of the body, possibility of filariasis must be kept in mind as a possible differential diagnosis, particularly in endemic areas. This will help to give appropriate therapy to asymptomatic patients.