Hydatid disease – An unusual cause of a breast cyst: Case report

INTRODUCTION: Breast cysts are common and are usually due to fibrocystic disease of the breast. However, in endemic areas a breast cyst can be due to hydatid disease. This diagnosis is often made after surgical excision. Hydatid cysts, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, are common in endemic areas and usually occur in the liver and lung. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year old female patient presented with a breast lump fearing cancer. Initial assessment demonstrated a hydatid cyst which proved to be isolated. DISCUSSION: An isolated hydatid cyst in the breast is very rare, occurring in only 0.27% of all hydatid cases. The diagnosis is important for management and the exclusion of hydatid disease elsewhere in the body. The parasite can be detected serologically. Total excision of the cyst without spillage and benzimidazolic drugs are the management of choice. CONCLUSION: In endemic areas of hydatid disease, the possibility that a breast lump might be hydatid in origin needs to be considered.