Splenic Lymphoma Mimicking a Hydatid Cyst Causing a Diagnostic Challenge: A Case Report

Splenic lymphoma, particularly primary splenic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PS-DLBCL), is a rare malignancy that often presents with nonspecific symptoms, complicating diagnosis. This case report describes a 44-year-old female with left flank pain and nausea whose imaging studies, including ultrasound and CT, revealed a well-defined heterogeneous lesion in the spleen and left pleural effusion, initially suggesting a hydatid cyst. Despite negative serological tests for echinococcosis, clinical suspicion remained due to the endemic presence of the disease. Owing to atypical imaging features and the patient's worsening condition, a splenectomy was performed, revealing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma upon histopathological examination.