Primary hydatid cyst in the soft tissue of the face: An exceptional occurrence

Abstract

To emphasize that solitary hydatid cyst can be localized in the soft tissue and present as a soft tissue mass even in an unusual site like face, we report the case of a 42-year-old male patient presenting with a slowly growing mass in right temporal region. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed an encapsulated mass with multiple cysts. Histopathological examination revealed the characteristic findings, which were consistent with soft-tissue hydatid disease. In the absence of visceral organ involvement, this is the first reported case of a primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst in the skin of face in India. In the English literature, only one case of this kind has been reported till date. When imaging methods confirm cystic nature of a swelling, even in unusual sites, one should always keep a possibility of hydatid cyst and manage accordingly during surgery to avoid precipitation of acute anaphylaxis.

Uncommon localizations of hydatid cyst. Review of the literature

“…The analysis of anatomic data shows the main implication of the thigh (7-16) and then of the glutei (5,(17)(18)(19), axilla (20)(21)(22), back (23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34), head/neck (26,(35)(36)(37)(38)(39), and limbs (12,37). Skin trauma or bee sting or major blood flux of these anatomical sites can justify this localization (28).…”

Primary Subcutaneous Hydatid Cyst Over Thoracic Spine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Primary subcutaneous involvement is a rare entity in the literature (incidence: 0.2-2%) (3,6). The most common location reported in the literature is the thigh (27%) (2,3,(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). The main presenting complaint is a slowly growing mass just under the intact skin (6).…”

Primary hydatid cyst of the parotid gland

“…Although the liver and lungs are the primary sites of infection, hydatid disease is also reported from various sites of body 1. The parotid gland is a rare site of this disease.…”

“…Dog is the primary host while man is an accidental intermediate host 1Learning points Hydatid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of head and neck cystic swellings 1. A detailed questionnaire about the patient’s occupation, residence and family history may give a clue to include hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis.…”