Sparganosis presenting as a lateral neck mass

BACKGROUND: Cervical sparganosis is rare, and its rarity makes it difficult to be distinguished from tumors. A case of cervical sparganosis is reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: An 80-year-old man was initially seen with a painless lateral neck mass for 3 months, which was initially diagnosed as cervical lymphadenopathy. Laboratory studies revealed eosinophilia, and the patient recalled that he had frequently taken mountain water. Serologic study of human sparganosis by a monoclonal antibody-based competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was positive. Surgical excision was performed, and the sparganosis was confirmed by histologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Sparganosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors, especially among patients who have frequently ingested mountain water and consumed raw snakes or frogs.