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Hydatid cyst is a condition caused by a type of flatworm called “Echinococcus.” This parasite is widespread, especially in regions where sheep farming is common. The infection caused by these tapeworm parasites leads to this disease. Hydatid cyst disease is actually seen in carnivorous animals such as dogs and foxes. However, humans also serve as an intermediate host for this parasite. Contact with the feces of infected animals can transmit the disease to humans, as parasite eggs are spread into the environment through these feces.
It can be stated that this disease most commonly affects the liver. For this reason, it is also popularly referred to as a “liver cyst” or “hepatic hydatid cyst.” It should also be noted that, in addition to the liver, it can affect the lungs as well. Lung involvement is more commonly seen, especially in younger patients. We will clarify all the points of curiosity on this subject and particularly discuss how hydatid cyst is diagnosed. First, let’s talk about how it is transmitted.
How Is Hydatid Cyst Transmitted?
Transmission occurs through fecal-oral contact. Consuming food contaminated with parasite eggs is also one of the common causes of transmission. Therefore, this cyst is more commonly seen in people involved in animal husbandry. It is also frequently observed in individuals who are in constant contact with animals such as sheep and cattle that carry the disease.
The eggs of the parasite in the primary host animals are excreted from the body through feces. Consuming water or food contaminated with this feces allows the eggs to easily infect humans. When these eggs enter the human body, they hatch in the intestines, and the resulting parasites attach to the intestinal wall. It does not take long for the parasites to enter the bloodstream from the intestines. Through circulation, they mostly reach the liver and sometimes the lungs.
Parasites that reach the liver may also travel to the lungs, especially in younger patients, via circulation. Like in the liver, they can also settle in the lungs. However, the lungs are considered the second most commonly affected organ.
How Does a Hydatid Cyst Form?
Once the parasites settle, a cyst forms in the organ. The cyst tends to grow, and a layer composed of parasites develops around it. In addition to this layer, there may also be a thick wall structure. Inside the cyst, there is a fluid. This fluid is clear, does not contain microbes, but has an allergic nature. In most cases, only a single cyst forms in humans. However, if the cyst wall ruptures, the cyst contents can spread to surrounding areas. In such cases, the cyst may spread to other organs beyond the initially affected one.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hydatid Cyst?
At the early stage of the disease, no symptoms are typically observed. Symptoms usually begin to appear when the cyst reaches approximately 5 cm in diameter. Cysts that do not cause any symptoms are often detected incidentally during examinations. Symptoms are usually felt when the cyst exerts pressure on surrounding tissues or organs or when it ruptures.
While this is the case in adults, the situation can be different in children. Due to the underdeveloped immune system in children, cysts can grow to much larger sizes without showing symptoms. Therefore, detection in children may occur quite late.
When the cyst begins to press on surrounding tissues or organs, patients may experience complaints such as pain or a feeling of fullness. Apart from these, it generally does not cause specific symptoms.
Which Organs Are Affected by Hydatid Cyst?
The organs affected by this cyst may vary from patient to patient. The areas where it can occur can be summarized as follows:
- Liver
- Lungs
- Spleen
- Brain
- Abdominal cavity
One of the frequently asked questions is whether the cyst causes damage to organs, especially the liver. This cyst usually pushes the organ aside to make space for itself. Therefore, it does not typically cause deformation or damage to the organ.
How Is Hydatid Cyst Diagnosed?
Imaging methods are used for diagnosis. Typical cyst appearances can be observed in imaging. In some cases, cyst-like but slightly different images may also appear. Radiological examinations may reveal a single or multiple masses. These masses can be round or oval and usually have well-defined borders. However, if the cyst has ruptured, its appearance may change. After diagnosis, blood tests are also performed to confirm the findings. Ultrasonography is particularly useful for cysts located in the liver. Imaging methods help determine not only the presence but also the number, structure, type, and whether rupture has occurred.
Can a Hydatid Cyst Rupture?
One of the most common concerns among diagnosed patients is whether hydatid cysts can rupture. Spontaneous rupture is very rare. However, rupture may occur as a result of severe trauma to the area where the cyst is located. In such cases, especially if the cyst is large, it may open into the bile ducts. When this happens, the following symptoms may occur:
- High fever
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated liver enzymes
As mentioned earlier, the fluid inside the cyst has an allergic nature. Therefore, if rupture occurs, the body may develop an allergic reaction. This can pose a life-threatening risk, and treatment becomes more difficult. Especially if the cyst content spreads into the abdominal cavity, treatment becomes significantly more complicated.
How Is Hydatid Cyst Treated?
Treatment varies depending on the organ affected and the type of cyst. These factors are essential in treatment planning. The main goal is to remove the cyst while preserving its integrity. If the cyst reaches a certain size, surgical intervention is required for removal. However, in some cases, the cyst may be detected incidentally at an early stage. In such cases, treatment options such as draining the cyst under ultrasound guidance and washing the cavity with alcohol, saline, or antiseptic solutions may be considered.
In advanced cases, medical treatment is applied to eliminate the parasites within the cyst. If the cyst is located outside the liver, different treatment options may also be applied. The important point is not to leave the cyst untreated and to initiate treatment as soon as possible.
