Unusual location of primary hydatid cyst: soft tissue mass in the parapharyngeal region.

Hydatid cyst is a cyclozoonotic infection caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid cyst in the head and neck region is very rare, even in countries where echinococcus infestation is endemic. We report the case of a 17-year-old male patient presenting with a hydatid cyst in the parapharyngeal and neck region. There was no pulmonary or hepatic involvement. The definitive therapy comprised excision of the cystic mass and postoperative medical treatment. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010