Submental primary hydatid cyst: A rare differential diagnosis of midline neck swelling in children

Summary 

Hydatid cysts of the cervical region are extremely rare especially in children and the diagnosis is quite challenging. We report herein a child with a hydatid cyst that was primarily located in the submental region without any pulmonary or hepatic involvement. A hydatid cyst of the neck should be considered as a possible diagnosis while evaluating any slow growing cyst in the cervical region especially in a patient living in endemic areas so as to keep surgical precautions in mind while operating to avoid any dangerous complications such as contamination and a fatal anaphylactic reaction.

Keywords: Hydatid cyst, Submental cyst, Echinococcus