Abstract
Introduction
Hydatid disease is common in developing countries but primary breast hydatid cyst is extremely rare even in endemic areas, accounting for only 0.27% of all cases. Very few case reports have been published relating to hydatid cyst of the breast, most of which were diagnosed postoperatively without complete radiological workup.
Case history
We present the case of a 58-year-old female from rural West Bengal (eastern India) who presented with three distinct cystic lesions in her right breast region with radiological features supporting the presumptive diagnosis of primary hydatid cyst of breast.
Discussion
Hydatid cysts are caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus, and human beings are accidental intermediate hosts of this parasite. The breast may be the primary site or part of a disseminated hydatidosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Preoperative diagnosis can be made by radiological or serological investigation but neither is definitive.
Conclusion
This entity should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing, benign cystic lesions of any organ or soft tissue region including the breast, especially in tropical countries.
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Sarkar, S., Choudhuri, T., Kumar, S. et al. An unusual case of primary hydatid cyst of the breast and chest wall. Hellenic J Surg 87, 497–500 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-015-0267-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-015-0267-5