Unusual location of hydatid cysts: a case report and literature review

Hydatid cysts develop most frequently in the liver and lungs, but they are occasionally found in other organs. Hydatid cysts in the axillary space are an extremely rare event in areas where the disease is endemic, and are still common in many countries, including Turkey. A 73-year-old man presented to our clinic with a painful axillary mass. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed multilocular cystic masses localized in the left axillary space, with minimal invasion of the peripheral soft tissue and no pulmonary or hepatic involvement. An echinococcal indirect hemagglutination test was negative. The masses were dissected through their stalks and removed completely. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the specimens confirmed hydatid cysts. This case report demonstrates that hydatid cysts should be considered as a possible cause for palpable lesions in the axillary region or chest wall, especially in endemic locations.