[Hydatid cyst of the parotid gland: six cases]

Primary hydatid cyst of the parotid gland is still an exceptional localization. The parotid gland is an uncommon site, even in our country, in which echinococcal disease is endemic. We report six cases of primary hydatid cyst of the parotid gland who presented with an isolated mass. The diagnosis was based on ultrasonography, which showed a parotid gland cystic mass. The echinococcal immunologic test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) was positive in two cases. The surgical treatment consisted of total resection of the cyst, without rupture of the cystic wall and preserving the gland, in four cases and resection of the prominent dome in two cases. The diagnosis was confirmed on macroscopic examination of the resected pieces. In all cases, the postoperative course was uneventful. There was no recurrence at the 17-month follow-up.