Rare degenerated forms suggestive of scolices were also identified. Unilocular cysts develop with an inner germinal membrane which gives rise to daughter cysts.
Cysts grow and develop over a period of years.
In this case, the diagnosis was suspected prior to surgery. Examination of the surgical specimen revealed only a fibrotic cyst wall and amorphous debris, with no diagnostic parasitic forms seen. The most common structures seen in cytologic preparations are the individual hooklets. Well-preserved scolices are seldom identified. Serologic studies including enzyme immunoassays currently offer a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of hydatid disease.