Hydatid cyst in the soft tissue of the face without any primary

Hydatid cyst of the subcutaneous tissue is rare, and often presents as a simple soft-tissue mass. A case of primary subcutaneous hydatid disease arising in the malar region is reported. Histopathological examination revealed the characteristic findings, which are consistent with soft-tissue hydatid disease. There was no sign of echinococcal involvement of organs other than the soft tissue of the face. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst arising in the skin in the absence of internal involvement. The patient remains disease free 14 months after surgery. The authors present their clinical findings, diagnostic techniques, and treatment of the patient, and review the literature.