Doctors Confirm First-Ever Human Cancer Caused by Tapeworm Cells, Not Human DNA.
Scientists have confirmed a medical first: a man developed invasive cancer that came from tapeworm cells instead of his own body.
The patient was a 41-year-old man living with HIV. He was found to have tumors in his lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. At first, doctors believed it was normal human cancer.
Scientists have confirmed a medical first: a man developed invasive cancer that came from tapeworm cells instead of his own body.
The patient was a 41-year-old man living with HIV. He was found to have tumors in his lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. At first, doctors believed it was normal human cancer.
07:53 AM - Feb 17, 2026
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Myra Raney
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17 February, 07:54
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However, advanced DNA testing revealed something shocking. The cancer cells were not human. They matched the genetics of Hymenolepis nana, a common dwarf tapeworm. Researchers concluded that the parasite itself developed cancer, and those cancerous tapeworm cells spread inside the man’s body.
Experts believe the man’s weakened immune system from HIV allowed the parasite cells to grow out of control. The patient sadly died soon after doctors confirmed the cause.
This rare case raises serious concerns, especially in regions where HIV and tapeworm infections are common, because such illnesses could be misdiagnosed.
Source:
Muehlenbachs et al., Malignant Transformation of Hymenolepis nana in a Human Host, New England Journal of Medicine
Experts believe the man’s weakened immune system from HIV allowed the parasite cells to grow out of control. The patient sadly died soon after doctors confirmed the cause.
This rare case raises serious concerns, especially in regions where HIV and tapeworm infections are common, because such illnesses could be misdiagnosed.
Source:
Muehlenbachs et al., Malignant Transformation of Hymenolepis nana in a Human Host, New England Journal of Medicine
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