Hydatid cyst in soft tissues mimicking malignant tumors. Diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of soft tissue hydatid cysts.


METHODS
Five cases of soft tissue hydatid cyst were diagnosed primarily by fine needle aspiration cytology.


RESULTS
In all cases, large fragments of acellular material, finely lamellated, were found. There were no complications related to fine needle aspiration, and histologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
When acellular, laminated fragments suggestive of a laminated layer are identified on smears, hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even in atypical locations and in the absence of hooklets, protoscolices or both.
Sáenz-Santamaría
Javier
J
Department of Pathology, Hospital Infanta Cristina, Avenida de Portugal s/n, 06080 Badajoz, Spain. yaye@eresmas.net
Catalina-Fernández
Immaculada
I
Fernández de Mera
Juan José
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D004446:Echinococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology