Pulmonary hydatid cyst mimicking lung tumor in a heavy smoker patient— Uniportal VATS management

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Human infection with E. granulosus leads to the development of one or more hydatid cysts located most often in the liver and lungs. However, radiologically and clinically, analysis of atypical or complicated pulmonary hydatid cysts may resemble other types of malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a 65-year-old man presented with chest pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss for 6 months' duration. The patient was surgically treated for a pulmonary hydatid cyst that mimicked a lung tumor clinically and radiologically. The patient underwent surgery using a uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) approach. The patient was put on an anti-helminthic drug (Albendazole table 400 mg twice daily for 21 days and 14 days off). He will continue for 3 cycles on this schedule. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst depends mainly on the imaging procedures supported by appropriate serology and often histopathology. The treatment of choice for the pulmonary hydatid cyst is surgical resection. The uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) method has been proven to be safe and effective around globally. This includes a shorter surgery time, less pain, less chest tube drainage, and less need for painkillers after the surgery. CONCLUSION: In this report, we present a case of a radiologically and clinically pulmonary hydatid cyst mimicking a lung tumor. In the differential diagnosis of a lung tumor, a pulmonary hydatid cyst should be considered particularly in endemic regions.