BACKGROUND Hydatid cyst of the head and neck region is uncommon, and involvement ofthe salivary glands, especially the submandibular gland, is very rare. We describe a case ofsunbmandibular gland hydatid cyst, diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA). CASE A case of submandibular gland hydatid cyst is reported in a patient who presented with swelling of this area of 5 months' duration. Examination revealed a soft, nontender, mobile mass measuring 7 x 5 cm. FNA of the submandibular swelling was performed, revealing scolices, hooklets and portions of laminated membrane. Chest radiograph and abdominal ultrasonography results were normal. Excision of the mass was performed, and pathologic examination revealed a hydatid cyst of the submandibular gland. CONCLUSION FNA is an easy, safe and fast technique to diagnose salivary gland hydarid cyst with no complications.