Illustration of a lung with a hydatid cyst, representing a hidden parasitic infection.

Echinococcal Cyst of the Lung: A Rare Case and What It Means for You

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Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling a medical mystery: How a young woman's back pain led to the discovery of a rare parasitic cyst, and what this case teaches us about global health and hidden dangers."


Echinococcosis, also known as Hydatid disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus. While prevalent globally, it's more common in underdeveloped regions, including parts of Asia, the Mediterranean, South America, and Africa. This infection can lead to cysts forming in various organs, most often the liver and lungs.

What makes pulmonary (lung) echinococcosis particularly noteworthy is its tendency to affect children and young adults. These cysts can grow quite large, and while many individuals remain asymptomatic, the expanding cyst can eventually cause symptoms by putting pressure on surrounding tissues and organs or, in severe cases, by rupturing.

This article delves into a unique case of pulmonary echinococcosis in a 26-year-old woman. Her journey, from initial back pain to a surprising diagnosis and successful treatment, highlights the importance of considering rare diseases, especially in individuals with specific risk factors. Join us as we explore the complexities of this case and what it means for broader awareness and understanding.

From Back Pain to Parasitic Discovery: A Case Study

Illustration of a lung with a hydatid cyst, representing a hidden parasitic infection.

Our patient, a 26-year-old woman, sought medical attention for recurring episodes of severe back pain. Initial investigations, including a chest X-ray, revealed a mass in the right middle lobe of her lung. Further imaging confirmed a lobulated mass, leading to a referral for a needle biopsy.

The initial biopsy, while intended to diagnose the mass, inadvertently led to a complication. Shortly after the procedure, the patient experienced drowsiness, weakness, and near syncope, suggesting a possible rupture or leakage from the cyst. This highlights a critical challenge in diagnosing these types of lesions.

Here's a breakdown of the key events:
  • Initial symptom: Severe back pain.
  • Discovery: Mass found in the right middle lobe of the lung via X-ray.
  • Biopsy: Attempted needle aspiration leads to patient complications.
  • Diagnosis: Ultimately identified as an Echinococcal cyst.
Given the patient's history – she was from a region where echinococcosis is endemic and had close contact with dogs – doctors suspected echinococcosis. She underwent surgery to remove the cyst, along with supportive medication to prevent further complications. The surgery was successful, and the patient made a full recovery.

What This Case Means for You: Awareness and Prevention

This case underscores the importance of considering echinococcosis in the differential diagnosis of lung lesions, especially in individuals with a history of travel or residence in endemic regions, or those with close contact with animals. While rare, it's a condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Prevention strategies include practicing good hygiene, especially after contact with dogs, and ensuring that dogs in endemic areas are regularly treated for tapeworm infections. Awareness among healthcare professionals is also crucial for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.

If you experience unexplained respiratory symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for echinococcosis, it's essential to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.10.007, Alternate LINK

Title: A Case Of Echinococcal Cyst Of The Lung

Subject: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Journal: Respiratory Medicine Case Reports

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Majid Dudha, Zakir Shaikh, Mohammed Bhaiyat, Ishaq J. Wadiwala, Zainab-Tasneem Bhaiyat

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is Echinococcosis?

Echinococcosis, also known as Hydatid disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus. This parasitic infection can cause cysts to form in various organs, with the lungs and liver being the most common sites. This particular case emphasizes the importance of recognizing this rare disease.

2

Who is most likely to be affected by Echinococcal cysts?

The article highlights that Echinococcal cysts in the lungs are often found in children and young adults. These cysts can grow and cause symptoms by pressing on surrounding tissues or organs. Severe cases can lead to a rupture. This specific case involved a 26-year-old woman, which is within this affected age group, making the study more relevant for that population.

3

What were the main events in the case study?

The primary symptoms described included severe back pain. Upon investigation, a mass was found in the right middle lobe of the lung. The patient's history, which included living in a region where Echinococcosis is common and close contact with dogs, led the doctors to suspect Echinococcal cysts. A needle aspiration biopsy was attempted, which resulted in patient complications.

4

Why is awareness of Echinococcosis important?

The importance lies in considering Echinococcosis in individuals with a history of travel or residence in endemic regions, or those with close contact with animals. This case helps demonstrate the significance of a thorough medical history and how important awareness is for early diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The implications of misdiagnosis or delay in treatment can be serious, so recognizing risk factors is crucial.

5

How was the patient treated?

The patient underwent surgery to remove the Echinococcal cyst and received supportive medication. The treatment was successful and the patient fully recovered. This highlights the importance of the proper treatment to ensure complete recovery and how important an early and accurate diagnosis is.

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