Primary Hydatid Cyst of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report

Hydatid disease is caused by tapeworm parasite Echinococcus granulosis. It is common in temperate and sheep raising countries of the world where it is a serious public health problem. Hydatid cysts can be found in every part of body. Most common locations are liver and lungs. Primary hydatid cyst located in thyroid is an exceptional finding even in endemic areas. We document a rare case of cystic nodule detected by ultrasound in Thyroid .Patient was a 35 year old woman with a slowly growing mass in the neck. Ultrasonography of the neck region revealed a 4x4 cm mass in the right lobe of the thyroid which appeared to be large, lobulated, encapsulated and cystic suggesting hydatid cyst. Subtotal thyroidectomy was done. Histopathological examination revealed hydatid cyst of thyroid. Hydatid cyst of thyroid should be considered in the differential diagnosis in endemic areas as in our case it was in the differential along with malignancy so that it should be managed during surgery to prevent anaphylaxis.