ECHINOCOCCOSIS Hydatid cysts result from infestation with eggs of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The tapeworm is found mainly in sheep and dogs and may be passed to humans by ingesting food or drink contaminated with infected sheep or dog feces. In humans, the eggs hatch into larvae in the intestine and migrate to the liver, lungs, or other tissues, where they develop into cysts.
The cysts grow slowly and often produce no symptoms.
If symptoms do develop, they vary according to the site of the cyst.
For example, a liver cyst may cause pain, nausea, and jaundice ; a lung cyst may cause chest pain and a cough.
Treatment is with anthelmintic medication to kill the larvae and, in many cases, surgery to remove the cysts