ABSTRACT
Cervico-facial hydatid cyst is rare. It accounts for 1% of echinococcosis locations. To describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of cervico-facial hydatid cysts based on our clinical experience and data in the literature. A retrospective study was made concerning 17 patients with cervico-facial hydatid cyst treated surgically over a 25-year period from 1982 to 2006. Mean patient age was 27 years [range 2-79]. Hydatid cyst localization was: cervical muscle [7 cases], thyroid gland [5 cases], parotid gland [2 cases], cervico-thoracic [1 case], larynx [1 case] and cheek [1 case]. Hydatic origin of the cyst was suspected for 6 patients [35.3%] preoperatively. Surgical treatment was used in all cases and adapted to each case. Diagnosis was always confirmed by macroscopic aspects and pathology. Hydatid cysts are rarely found in the cervico-facial region, even in highly endemic zone. The manifestation of symptoms depends on the location and the size of the cyst. Positive diagnosis can be difficult during preoperative period. Exclusively surgical treatment is indicated, ideally for total pericystic resection without rupture