Hydatid cyst of the submandibular salivary gland in a child

The majority of hydatid cysts are seen in the liver and lungs. In countries where Echinococcus infestation is common, high index of suspicion is required for hydatosis and although it is a rare location, a hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the cervical lesions in order to avoid any dangerous complication such as untreatable multiple hydatosis or a fatal anaphylactic reaction. Surgical removal without causing any spillage of its contents is the most effective treatment. To the best of our knowledge, only one submandibular gland hydatid cyst case in a child has been reported. A case of 9-year-old male with hydatid cyst of the submandibular salivary gland is presented. The literature was reviewed and characteristics of the disease were discussed. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.