Hydatid Cyst of the Breast: Case Series and Review of the Literature

A hydatid cyst of the breast is an extremely rare condition caused by Echinococcus granulosus, even in endemic countries, which accounts for 0.27% of all cases. Only a few reports have been published in the literature about breast hydatid cysts. Patients usually present with a palpable and painless lump in the breast. Clinically, it is difficult to differentiate breast hydatid cysts from more common breast lesions. However, imaging plays an important role, and often helps to distinguish this rare cystic disease of the breast from other breast masses.
Iran is an endemic area for Echinococcus granulosus, and we present six cases of primary breast hydatid cysts which were diagnosed over the course of 10 years in our institution. We aimed to present the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings for these patients.
Hydatid cysts should be considered in the diagnosis of cystic lesions of the breast, particularly in endemic areas.