Hydatid Cyst of The Breast: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction Due to its rarity, there is limited information regarding breast hydatid disease, mostly derived from case reports. This study aims to review the clinical presentation and management of the disease systematically. Methods The PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar were searched with the following keywords: (Breast OR Breasts OR "mammary gland" AND hydatid OR hydatidosis OR echinococcus OR echinococcal OR echinococcosis OR "E. granulosus"). Only English-language studies published in legitimate journals were included. Additional inclusion criteria involved a confirmed diagnosis of breast hydatid cyst, details on presentation, cyst characteristics, and management. Results Most cases were reported in India (32.6%) and Turkey (25.6%). The mean age of the patients was 40.88 ± 15.7 years, and all 43 patients were female. Most (69.8%) were asymptomatic, while 25.6% reported pain and 2.3% reported dry skin. Surgery with albendazole was the treatment of choice in 51.2% of the cases, followed by surgery alone in 39.5%. Most cases (65.1%) recovered without complications, whereas one did not and was under follow-up. The recovery status was not mentioned in 14 cases (32.6%). Conclusion Breast hydatid cyst is an extremely rare finding that can be asymptomatic in most instances. Surgery combined with albendazole may be the most successful treatment approach.