Oral Cysticercosis: review article

Cysticercosis is caused by the tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is a common disease of developing world. Larvae of this parasite can be found in the muscles of pig, which is the intermediate host of this disease. Humans are generally the definitive host and infection occurs with ingestion of undercooked pork containing cysticerci, but they can also serve as the intermediate host if eggs of T. solium are ingested accidently by them. Larvae can lodge in any part of the body including subcutaneous tissue, brain, muscle, liver, lungs, heart or eye. They are generally asymptomatic, except when ocular region or brain is involved. Oral cysticercosis is a rare occurrence, which presents as a firm nodule clinically. Radiological tests and immunological investigations can help in making diagnosis of this disease, but for definitive diagnosis histopathological examination is required. Surgical excision of the lesion is generally done for treatment and prognosis is good for these cases. Improvement of sanitary conditions is very important for stopping propagation of this disease.