Rare presentation of isolated hydatid disease of the breast

Abstract

Isolated hydatid disease of the breast is a rare condition, possessing a diagnostic dilemma for the clinicians. Hydatid disease is common in endemic areas affecting most commonly the liver and lungs. Other organs rarely involved are the kidney, bone and brain. It is caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, widely spread by cattle and sheep. Humans are the accidental host for this organism. We present a similar case of isolated hydatid cyst of the breast, which was diagnosed preoperatively and managed successfully.