Hydatid cyst - is an infection caused by eating food or water that is contaminated by worm eggs Echinococcus. This worm is a microscopic tapeworm that is often found in dogs and common livestock, sheep particularly.

Although infection in humans is rare, it can be serious. Once the eggs are ingested, it is determined in organs (such as lungs, brain and liver) and can cause large cysts.

Hydatid cyst - Signs, symptoms and causes

- Signs and symptoms
Hydatid cyst (Hydatidosis) may not cause any symptoms for 10 or 20 years because the cysts grow slowly. If symptoms occur, they may include:
abdominal pain
Chest pain
Cough that will not go away
Unintended weight loss
faintness

Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Fever
Bloody stools
Headache
Seizures
diagnostic
The cysts are often found on radiographs. They can be detected also by a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Sometimes a thin needle is used to puncture the cyst and take fluid test for hydatid cyst infection (Hidatoza).

Hydatid cyst - Treatment

Medicines to treat infections caused by worms are called anthelmintics. These include albendazole, mebendazole and praziquantel. Surgery to remove cysts may be necessary for more severe cases.