Can a Solitary Pulmonary Nodule With Positive PET Scan in a Heavy Smoker be Something Other Than Lung Cancer? A Case Report of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst and Literature Review

Clinical Case Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Zahra Sadin, Manouchehr Aghajanzadeh, mohammadreza sadin, Ali Alavi Foumani
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.72175
Cited by: 1
References: 11

Abstract

Solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) in a heavy smoker patient is commonly considered a lung cancer. However, in endemic regions, differential diagnosis should include pulmonary hydatid cyst. We present a 65-year-old heavy smoker male with a 5 cm SPN. He had negative serology, and inconclusive PET-CT. So, it mimicked malignancy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) confirmed hydatid cyst, with successful management. This case shows the importance of considering parasitic disease in the differential diagnosis of SPN, even with negative serology and typical risk factors for lung cancer.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Parasitic infections in humans and animals Insects and Parasite Interactions Head and Neck Anomalies

Publication details

Journal / source
Clinical Case Reports
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
14
Issue
4
Pages
e72175–e72175
Publication date
1 April 2026
Language
EN