AbstractIntroduction: Filariasis is a major health problem in tropical countries including India. Fine needle aspiration cytology plays an important role in prompt recognition of disease. Extranodalfilariasis is a rare entity, and the breast is also one of the sites for filariasis. Patients commonly present with an underlying lump that may occasionally mimic malignancy. The disease mainly involves the lymphatic system of the body. The most frequently involved lymphatics are those of the lower limbs, retroperitoneal tissues, glands, spermatic cord, and epididymis. Lymphatic filariasis is mostly caused by Wuchereriabancrofti and Brugiamalayi. However, filarial breast nodule is a very rare finding even in an endemic region. Here, we present 4 cases of filarial breast lump diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. Case Series: The present cases included incidentally detected four cases of microfilaria in breast aspirates along with the associated underlying breast pathology. Conclusion: Filarial breast nodule is rare, and it often mimics a neoplastic breast lesion. FNAC is a very effective diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of filarial breast lesion and it helps avoid unnecessary surgical procedure. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis for short-lasting nodular breast lump, especially in countries like India, where filariasis is an endemic disease.
Keywords: Microfilaria; Cytology; Breast Lump.