The presence of a cystlike mass in a person with a history of exposure to sheepdogs in an area where E. granulosus is endemic is one of the first signs of cystic echinococcosis. A noninvasive diagnosis of echinococcosis can be made by using immunologic techniques as well as CT scans, ultrasonography, and MRIs to detect cysts. Additionally, blood tests are used to determine the presence of antibodies. After a cyst has been detected, serologic tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Alveolar echinococcosis is typically found in people of an older age. CT imaging is used to visually confirm cysts and blood tests are highly effective at determining the presence of parasites and parasite antibodies to confirm a diagnosis.