What is a hydatid (lung) cyst?
Lung cysts, also known as hydatid cysts, are lung cysts caused by a millimetric (parasitic) worm called “ecchinococcus”. It is generally more common in people living in rural areas, but it can also be seen in people living in cities. The incidence has decreased considerably in recent years. Traveling to some underdeveloped countries and consuming poorly washed food can lead to ingestion of the parasite and cause the disease. It can occur in both children and adults. It can take different forms, ranging from a single cyst of 1-2 cm in size in one lung to multiple cysts or even cysts in both lungs and up to 10-15 cm in size.
How is a hydatid cyst transmitted?
This parasite, which causes hydatid cysts, lives in the intestines of some carnivorous animals, especially dogs, and is transmitted to the outside environment with their feces. It is transmitted to humans by consuming poorly washed vegetables and fruits infected with the parasite. It is not transmitted from person to person. It can cause disease in the liver, lung and then spleen, kidney, brain and other organs.
What are the symptoms of hydatid cysts?
A small, unruptured cyst in the lungs does not cause any symptoms and can only be found incidentally. Large cysts may rarely cause pain or shortness of breath. If the cyst rupture spontaneously, the patient may have a severe cough with clear water expectoration (coming from the mouth). Patients usually present with cough and sputum as a result of infection of the ruptured cyst. A chest X-ray shows typical radiological findings of “hydatid cyst” disease. Usually a computed tomography scan can also reveal the exact status and extent of the disease.
How is hydatid cyst treated?
The most effective treatment for lung cysts is surgical removal. This is because these cysts tend to grow and can rupture spontaneously, causing serious problems that can lead to death. Medication before and after surgery is used to reduce the risk of recurrence of these cysts. Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts of the lung can be performed as a classical method of open surgery, but some suitable lung cysts can also be operated through small incisions – endoscopic – closed surgery. Surgery is the definitive treatment method.
