Summary

• Tapeworms belong to the Platyhelminthes phylum. Subclasses include the Pseudophyllidea and Cyclophyllidea genera.
• Humans can be definitive or intermediate hosts.
• Extraintestinal manifestations include cystercercosis (can affect any organ), hydatidosis (can affect any organ but typically the liver and lungs), and neurocysticercosis (affecting the CNS).
• Presentation is variable and is dependent on size, location, and condition of the cyst.
• Diagnosis is made by stool examination and serology. Radiology may be necessary for extraintestinal manifestations.
• Intestinal infection is treated with antihelminthics only.
• Extraintestinal infection may require surgical intervention.