Hydatic cyst of the maxillofacial region: A unusual pediatric case report

Hydatidosis is endemic in several areas of the world, including South America. Hydatid cysts are mainly located in the liver and lungs; localization in the maxillofacial region is quite unusual, so diagnosis and treatment of the lesion in this region can be challenging. A 5-year-old patient presented with a painless swelling on the left side of the middle third of the face. Through a computed tomography scan, the lesion was visualized as an osteolysis in the maxillary sinus; mimicking a cystic lesion. Enucleation of the cyst was performed and the histopathological result of the cyst was a hydatid cyst. One year after surgery, adequate remodeling of the maxillary sinus and contiguous anatomical structures was observed. Hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of pathologies of the maxillofacial region, mainly in geographic areas where hydatidosis is considered endemic. Histopathological examination is essential for an accurate diagnosis of hydatid cyst. • Hydatid cysts are mainly located in the liver and lungs; localization in the maxillofacial region is quite unusual, even more in pediatric patients. • Enucleation of the cyst was performed and the histopathological result of the cyst was a hydatid cyst. • Hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of pathologies of the maxillofacial region, mainly in geographic areas where hydatidosis is considered endemic.