Hyadid cyst of breast is rare disease even in endemic areas. The causative agent is Echinococcus granulosis and Echinococcus multilocularis (Echinococcus alveolaris). Humans are accidental intermediate host of this organism. The incidence of the disease is 70% in the liver, 20% in the lungs and 10% in the other organs. Breast involvement is rare accounting for only 0.27 % of the localization. Breast Hydatid disease may be isolated, or it may be a part of disseminated hydatidosis. Typically, the patients present with a painless breast lump that increase in size over time. Preoperative diagnosis can be made with clinical assessment and ultrasound and FNAC. It is difficult to differentiate these cysts from other tumoral lesions of the breast. Therefore, breast hydatid cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of breast lumps, especially in endemic areas. Best modality of treatment is complete surgical excision without spillage and post operative albendazole chemotherapy help in reducing risk of recurrence of the disease.

Key Words: hydatid cyst of breast, preoperative diagnosis.

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Mahesh Sonwal

Post Graduate, Department of General Surgery, GMC, Kota

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