ISOLATED CYST HYDATID: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF A MASS IN THE NAPE OF THE NECK

Because of the rarity of hydatid cyst in the head and neck area, it may be overlooked by the clinicians. We report a case of primary hydatid cyst in the posterior cervical region without another organ involvement. A 54-year-old woman presented with a large, painless lump in the nape of the neck. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a 5x5x4 cm hypodense mass which is located in the left scalen muscles. An axial magnetic resonance image revealed well-defined high signal intensity mass with low signal intensity rim, which is considered as a characteristic feature for hydatid cyst. She underwent surgery to excise the cyst. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis as a hydatid cyst. If a cystic mass in head and neck area exists, hydatid disease must be kept in mind, especially in endemic areas, to avoid the complications such as acute anaphylaxis or recurrences due to inappropriate management.