- Intestinal infections are found by checking stool samples for tapeworm eggs or segments. Blood tests that identify antibodies triggered by cysts, as well as CT scans or MRIs, are used to diagnose tissue infections.
- Prescription drugs like praziquantel and albendazole are used to kill tapeworms in the intestines.
- Tissue cysts are treated with steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgery is necessary to remove potentially fatal cysts on the liver, lungs or other organs. If surgery is not an option (patient's health, the damage is too extensive, etc.), an organ transplant may be needed.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, tapeworm-infection treatment is successful over 95 percent of the time. Follow-up stool or blood tests are performed one-or-three months after treatment to make sure it was effective.
