Submandibular hydatid cyst fistulized into the oral cavity

Hydatid cysts of the head and neck are rare, even in regions where echinococcal infestation is endemic. Although complications, like cyst rupture and infection, may occur, an external fistula is extremely rare. This study examined a case of hydatid cyst that had fistulized in the right submandibular region of the oral cavity, which eroded the mandible.

A 45 year-old female patient visited our clinic with complaints of a discharge that left a bad taste in her mouth that persisted for 1 month and a painless swelling in the right submandibular region that had slowly expanded over the past 5 months. A physical examination revealed a cystic mass located in the right submandibular region that had fistulized in the oral cavity. The results were consistent with a hydatid cyst. We performed submandibular gland exeresis and a marginal mandibulectomy to excise the hydatid cyst together with the fistulous tract.