[A rare tumor of the neck; a hydatid cyst. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of echonococcal disease (author's transl)].

A rare case of hydatid cyst located in the musculature of the neck without any other detectable site is reported. With the cycle of the taenia echinococcus as reminder several pathophysiological hypotheses which might explain the inefficacy of the hepatic and pulmonary filter are discussed. A concise revue of the recent literature concerning diagnosis and treatment of the disease is given.