Cystic Parotid Lesions in Patients at Risk for the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract

• Twenty-three patients at risk for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome presented with cystic lesions of the parotid gland. Fourteen patients had unilateral parotid cysts and nine had bilateral enlargement. Ten patients were positive for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), three were negative for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus, and ten refused testing. Fineneedle aspiration cytology and computed tomography were helpful in making the diagnosis of benign lymphoepithelial cyst. Superficial parotidectomy confirmed the diagnosis. Concurrent malignancy (Kaposi's sarcoma) was diagnosed in one patient from a parotid specimen. Followup has ranged from four months to five years. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:1290-1294)