Sublingual hydatid cyst: case report and literature review

Abstract

AbstractObjectives:To demonstrate the importance of detailed clinical analysis in the differential diagnosis of a cyst in the floor of the mouth, and to provide an update on current knowledge and treatment of sublingual hydatid cyst.Case report:A 23-year-old man presented complaining of a swelling in the midline of the sublingual region, present for four months and progressively increasing in size. Ultrasonography of the neck revealed a well defined, hypoechoic lesion in the sublingual region, containing a calcific focus. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed numerous round to oval structures resembling brood capsules, with scolices and occasional hooklets. T1- and T2-weighted, multiplanar magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a well defined, multiloculated lesion in the sublingual region.Conclusion:Hydatid disease may present as a slow-growing cyst in the sublingual region. Aspiration cytology should preferably be avoided until radiological imaging studies are complete. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose hydatid disease in an unusual location.