Primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst of the neck: a case report and review of the literature

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus , prevalent in livestock‑raising regions. The liver and lungs are the usual sites of involvement, making primary subcutaneous cervical disease extremely uncommon. Such atypical presentations often resemble simple cystic lesions and require a high degree of clinical suspicion. Symptoms depend on the cyst’s size and the pressure exerted on nearby structures, and ultrasonography is the preferred initial imaging tool. Complete surgical excision without rupture remains the standard treatment. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulty of a rare primary subcutaneous cervical hydatid cyst presenting with compressive symptoms. A 16‑year‑old Syrian female presented with a three‑month history of a progressively enlarging, non‑tender subcutaneous mass on the right side of the neck. Clinical examination and ultrasound imaging prior to surgery suggested a differential diagnosis of lipoma or lymphadenopathy. However, intraoperative findings raised suspicion of a hydatid cyst, prompting irrigation of the surgical site with hypertonic solution and complete excision of the cyst wall. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst, and an appropriate assessment for systemic involvement was performed. The patient received prolonged albendazole therapy and exhibited no recurrence during follow‑up appointments (refer to Graphical Abstract). Hydatid disease should be considered when assessing head and neck cystic lesions, especially in patients from endemic regions. Diagnosis relies on careful clinical evaluation and targeted investigations. Surgical management must avoid cyst rupture or spillage of hydatid fluid.