Hydatid cyst of parotid gland mimicking as Branchial cyst in a 7 year child: A cytological impression

Abstract

Hydatid disease also known as Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection caused by the cestodes of Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid cyst of the head and neck region is uncommon and the involvement of parotid gland is very rare and few cases have been reported in literature. We report a rare case of hydatid cyst in a 7year old female child who presented to the otorhinolaryngology outpatient with gradually progressive swelling on left parotid region for 3 years. The probable clinical and radiological differentials were 1st branchial cleft cyst, lymphangioma and retention cyst. However aspiration cytology revealed multiple scolices, hooklets, and granular necrotic debris which confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. CT scan of the abdomen and thorax did not reveal any other organ involvement by the disease process. Chemotherapy with albendazole was started and surgery was performed after 1 month. This case is reported here owing to its rare and unusual presentation.