Abstract

Background: Hydatid disease is a widespread parasitic infection, particularly endemic among communities engaged in sheep rearing activities. Although it commonly affects the liver and lungs, rare cases of cysts found in the breast have been reported. It is a challenge to distinguish these lesions from other breast tumours. Case report: A 37-year-old female presented with a painless lump in the right breast since three years. On ultrasound of the breast, multiloculated thick-walled cystic lesion was seen in the lower part of the right breast, raising suspicion of hydatid cyst. The patient underwent an excision biopsy. On gross examination, a cystic structure was seen, with multiple pearly white cysts on opening.Histopathological features of hydatid cyst scolex were identified, with adjacent breast parenchyma showing foreign body giant cell reaction. Discussion: Typically, patients with breast hydatid cysts present with a painless lump in the breast, which gradually increases in size without involvement of regional lymph nodes. The presentation may mimic other breast conditions such as fibroadenoma, phyllodes tumors, chronic abscesses, or even carcinoma. Therefore, breast hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast lumps, particularly in endemic areas. Conclusion: Although rare, the presence of multiloculated cysts in the breast tissue should raise the suspicion of hydatid disease in differential diagnosis of breast lumps for patients living in endemic areas.

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