Hydatid cyst: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see
Hydatid disease is a parasitic disease that develops when tapeworm eggs passed in dogs’ faeces are swallowed. It forms fluid-filled cysts that grow over years, most often in the liver and next most often in the lungs. In Turkey it is common especially in livestock-farming regions. If a cyst bursts, a severe allergic reaction can develop.
Which doctor should I see for hydatid cyst?
For hydatid cyst you can first see: General Surgery or Internal Medicine or Infectious Diseases. In large hospitals the Infectious Diseases unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of hydatid cyst?
- No symptoms for a long time
- Fullness and pain in the upper right abdomen
- An enlarged liver
- In the lungs: cough, chest pain, blood-stained phlegm, coughing up salty fluid
- Jaundice (if it opens into the bile ducts)
What causes hydatid cyst?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Vegetables, water and soil contaminated with dog faeces
- 2Close contact with dogs and poor hand hygiene
- 3Feeding dogs raw offal
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there sudden abdominal pain, hives, shortness of breath or fainting (cyst rupture)
- Is there fever, chills and jaundice
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- A person with a cyst should avoid blows to the abdomen.
- If a cyst has been found on ultrasound, see a specialist for a treatment plan.
See a doctor if
- A cyst has been found in the liver on ultrasound
- A history of close contact with dogs and upper right abdominal pain
How long does it last and how is it treated?
Depending on the size and location of the cyst, treatment is with medicine, needle drainage (PAIR) or surgery. Ultrasound follow-up for years after treatment is recommended.
Who gets hydatid cyst?
- People living in rural areas and keeping livestock
- Dog owners
- Children
How is it diagnosed?
Ultrasound is the most important test; CT, MRI and blood antibody tests help.
Can it be prevented?
- Wash vegetables in plenty of water.
- Have dogs regularly treated for parasites; do not feed them raw offal.
- Wash your hands after contact with dogs.
Find a general surgeon in your city
General surgeons in Turkish cities who can help with hydatid cyst.
People also describe it as
- “A hydatid cyst was found in my liver”
- “What is a dog tapeworm cyst?”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for hydatid cyst?
For hydatid cyst you can first see: General Surgery or Internal Medicine or Infectious Diseases. In large hospitals, the Infectious Diseases unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of hydatid cyst?
Common symptoms: no symptoms for a long time; fullness and pain in the upper right abdomen; an enlarged liver; in the lungs: cough, chest pain, blood-stained phlegm, coughing up salty fluid; jaundice (if it opens into the bile ducts). Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes hydatid cyst?
The most common causes: vegetables, water and soil contaminated with dog faeces; close contact with dogs and poor hand hygiene; feeding dogs raw offal. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does hydatid cyst last and how is it treated?
Depending on the size and location of the cyst, treatment is with medicine, needle drainage (PAIR) or surgery. Ultrasound follow-up for years after treatment is recommended.
Who gets hydatid cyst?
It is more common in: people living in rural areas and keeping livestock; dog owners; children.
How is hydatid cyst diagnosed?
Ultrasound is the most important test; CT, MRI and blood antibody tests help.
Can hydatid cyst be prevented?
Wash vegetables in plenty of water. Have dogs regularly treated for parasites; do not feed them raw offal. Wash your hands after contact with dogs.
How is hydatid disease spread?
It is spread by swallowing parasite eggs from dog faeces; it does not pass from person to person.
Can a hydatid cyst be treated without surgery?
Some small cysts can be treated with medicine or needle drainage; the decision is made by a specialist.
Which doctor should I see for a hydatid cyst?
General surgery and infectious diseases assess it together; thoracic surgery deals with lung cysts.
When is hydatid cyst an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there sudden abdominal pain, hives, shortness of breath or fainting (cyst rupture)?” “Is there fever, chills and jaundice?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for hydatid cyst?
See a doctor: a cyst has been found in the liver on ultrasound; a history of close contact with dogs and upper right abdominal pain.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.