Sialosis: Cytomorphological significance in the diagnosis of an uncommon entity

Abstract

A diffuse, chronic, usually bilateral, noninflammatory, nonneoplastic enlargement of major salivary glands is termed as Sialosis or Sialadenosis. It is an extremely uncommon cause for enlargement of the parotid gland. We hereby present a case of a 45-year-old female patient having a swelling at the left preauricular region. The swelling was gradually increasing in size since 6 months. On clinical examination, the swelling was 3 cm × 3 cm, mobile, and nontender. On ultrasonography, it was suggestive of benign parotid lesion or parotitis with cervical lymphadenopathy. On fine needle aspiration cytology, it was suggestive of sialadenosis. This is an extremely rare salivary gland lesion with specific cellular features. It is very important to distinguish sialadenosis from other causes of enlargement of the parotid gland as treatment modality differs.