Introduction
Hydatid disease, also known as cystic echinococcosis, is a parasitic
infection caused by a tapeworm. It can cause cysts to grow in the liver
and other organs. This infection is common in rural and underdeveloped
areas where people raise livestock. Tapeworms usually live-in hosts like
sheep and dogs. However, humans can get the disease if they accidentally
consume anything infected with the parasite egg. Humans become
intermediate hosts, but Hydatid disease is not contagious, which means
it doesn’t spread through person-to-person contact. This zoonotic
disease presents as hydatid cysts, with canines as definitive hosts and
sheep as intermediate hosts. Hydatid disease can be contracted by humans
accidentally through various means such as consuming contaminated water,
eating vegetables with infected soil, or having contact with an infected
dog. The disease can remain asymptomatic for many years. Cystic
echinococcosis can affect any visceral organ in the body, including the
lungs, brain, and kidneys. However, the liver is the most affected organ
due to the bowel venous drainage system 1-6
Recent studies in Europe and Central Asia suggest a link between
hydatids and tumors. Certain parasite antigens may inhibit tumor growth,
indicating a protective effect against cancer by echinococcus. However,
the simultaneous occurrence of cancer and hydatid cysts is rare and
complex, presenting a challenge for oncologists and infectious disease
specialists 7. At first glance, it may be mistaken for
metastasis, but subsequent imaging and serology results confirm the
diagnosis of hydatid cysts and raise concerns about initiating
chemotherapy. Due to the rarity of such cases, there are no established
guidelines for managing them. This literature review explores cases
where individuals have experienced both cancer and hydatid cysts,
examining their clinical manifestations, management strategies,
prognosis, and post-treatment monitoring 4,6.