Hydatid cyst of the parotid gland: a case report

Objective: Hydatid disease most commonly involves the liver and lungs; the abdominal cavity organs stand next in frequency, the parotid gland is a rare site of this disease. Hydatid disease is the most widespread, serious human cestode infection in the world. It is a zoonosis that is transmitted from domestic and wild members of the canine family. It is a serious problem in tropic areas and is seen in most areas of Iran. In children lungs are the most common site of infection whereas in adults liver is infected most frequently. It is rarely found in head and neck area and very few cases are reported in parotid gland.
Case report: A 10-year old boy was presented with painless swelling of the right parotid gland. He was treated initially with antibiotics with no improvement. The microscopic examination of FNA aspirated material corresponded to an inflammatory process. The parotid tumor was surgically removed. Pathologic study of the cystic lesion revealed hydatid disease of the parotid gland.