Primary multilocular hydatid cyst of neck with unique presentation: a rare case report and literature review.

Hydatid cyst (HC) is a parasitic infection caused by larva form of Echinococcus. It occurs frequently in liver and lungs. Primary HC of neck is extremely rare occurrence and here we report it with unusual presentation. A 35-year-old male presented with slowly growing painless swelling in right side of neck for 6-7 years. The swelling measured 11 × 6 cm and cough impulse elicited on local examination. MRI scan revealed a multiloculated cystic lesion in neck. Fine needle aspiration cytology yielded fluid aspirate and smear showed fragment of laminated membrane, suggestive of HC. The intact cyst was removed surgically and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of HC. Both clinicians and radiologists should consider HC in differential diagnosis of head and neck swelling for proper management.