Hydatid Cyst of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report

Abstract

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic infestation caused by the genus Echinococcus. It is still widespread in agricultural communities. It is common in temperate and sheep raising countries of the world where it causes a significant public health problem. It is a chronic disease and cyst can be presented in different organs. In humans, hydatid cyst develops most often in the liver (65%) and lungs (25%). Other organs affected occasionally include the brain, muscle, kidney, heart, pancreas, adrenal, and thyroid gland. Involvement of the thyroid gland by hydatid cyst is rare. It is most often asymptomatic or present with anterior neck swelling or rarely dysphagia or dyspnoea. This case report explains our experience with a patient suffering from hydatid cyst in the thyroid.