Amogne Misganaw Ayenew, Mekuriaw Muluken Getinet, Abate Dagimawi Abiy, Workineh Yabibal Tsegaye, Tiruneh Mandante Bogale
Debre Markos University, Pathology Department, Ethiopia.
Debre Markos University, Pathology Department, Ethiopia.
Int J Surg Case Rep. 2025 Jan;126:110787. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.110787. Epub 2024 Dec 28.
Hydatid disease, caused by the Echinococcus parasite, is a significant health concern in endemic regions. While commonly found in the liver and lungs, breast involvement is rare. We present a case of a hydatid cyst in the breast of a 34-year-old woman from Ethiopia, initially suspected to be breast cancer.
A 34-year-old woman was admitted to our Hospital with a progressive, painless swelling in her left breast that had persisted for nine months. The patient first noticed the mass while showering and reported no associated symptoms such as discharge, skin changes, or ulceration. There was no family history of breast cancer, trauma, or breast surgery. Physical examination revealed a non-tender, hard mass measuring 6 by 8 cm in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, fixed to the skin without overlying skin changes.
The initial clinical suspicion was breast cancer. Further evaluation included FNAC, which yielded crystal-clear fluid containing laminated metachromatic materials. Ultrasound imaging revealed an anechoic cystic mass with a double-layered wall and posterior acoustic enhancement. Surgical intervention was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Intraoperatively, a 4 by 6 cm cystic mass was identified, adherent to the surrounding breast tissue. The final diagnosis was confirmed as a hydatid cyst of the breast.
This case underscores the importance of considering differential diagnoses in patients presenting with breast masses, particularly in endemic regions for hydatid disease. Awareness of such atypical presentations can lead to timely and appropriate management.
由棘球绦虫寄生虫引起的包虫病，是流行地区一个重大的健康问题。虽然常见于肝脏和肺部，但累及乳腺的情况罕见。我们报告一例来自埃塞俄比亚的34岁女性乳腺包虫囊肿病例，最初怀疑为乳腺癌。
一名34岁女性因左侧乳房进行性无痛性肿胀9个月入住我院。患者最初在洗澡时发现肿块，未报告有诸如溢液、皮肤改变或溃疡等相关症状。无乳腺癌、外伤或乳腺手术家族史。体格检查发现左乳外上象限有一个6×8厘米大小、质地硬、无压痛的肿块，与皮肤粘连，皮肤无异常。
最初临床怀疑为乳腺癌。进一步评估包括细针穿刺抽吸活检（FNAC），抽出清澈液体，其中含有分层的异染性物质。超声成像显示一个无回声囊性肿块，有双层壁及后方回声增强。进行了手术干预以明确诊断。术中发现一个4×6厘米大小的囊性肿块，与周围乳腺组织粘连。最终诊断为乳腺包虫囊肿。
该病例强调了对于出现乳腺肿块的患者，尤其是在包虫病流行地区，考虑鉴别诊断的重要性。认识到这种非典型表现可导致及时且恰当的处理。
