Hydatid Cysts of the Tongue: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, typically affect the liver and lungs but can rarely occur in the tongue, hence presenting as a diagnostic challenge Methods This is a systematic review of the reports of hydatid cysts in the tongue up to April 2024, emphasizing diverse clinical presentations, diagnostic complexities, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Results Six cases of tongue hydatid cysts were reported in the literature, of whom three were male, two were female, and the gender of one patient was not determined. The patients were between 3 and 35 years old, with a mean age of 15 years. Only one case has hydatid cysts in the other organs, namely the liver and lung. Four cases were reported in developing countries. Clinical presentations varied, including tongue swelling, speech articulation difficulties, and swallowing impairments. Conclusion Hydatid cyst of the tongue has a possible endemic nature. It usually presents with painless tongue swelling. The primary management strategy is surgical excision, which has a favorable outcome.