All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pharyngeal fasciolopsidosis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Fasciolopsiasis of the pharynx is caused by the helminth Fasciolopsis bucki, which parasitizes mainly in the liver; belongs to the Fasciolidae family; is found in Syria, Lebanon, India, and African countries. During life, the parasite is reddish-orange in color, leaf-shaped, 15-20 mm long. Its unusual localization in the pharynx is due to the consumption of infected and insufficiently cooked liver. When chewing such a liver, the parasite leaves the liver tubules in which it lives and penetrates the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx. Clinically, fasciolopsiasis of the pharynx and oral cavity is manifested by pronounced edema of the mucous membrane, which can spread to the larynx, nasal cavity, and auditory tube. This edema is usually accompanied by signs of acute diffuse inflammation of the pharynx and is accompanied by a burning sensation, aphonia, dysphagia, and respiratory failure.
The diagnosis of fasciolopsiasis of the pharynx is established by pharyngoscopy, which reveals parasites embedded in the mucous membrane, sometimes growing to the size of small leeches.
Treatment of fasciolopsiasis of the pharynx consists of gargling the pharynx with a 20-30% solution of ethyl alcohol. In persistent cases, antihelminthic agents used for fasciolopsiasis of the gastrointestinal tract are prescribed per os.
[ What do need to examine?
How to examine?