Parotid lymphoepithelial cyst in non-HIV patient

Abstract

The lymphoepithelial cyst is a dysontogenic benign cyst originated from the epithelial remnant retained inside the lymphoid tissue during the embryogenesis that occurs in the lateral neck region and, less frequently, in the oral cavity and in the parotid gland. The parotid gland evolvement increased significantly after the HIV discovery and it is related to ductal obstruction phenomenon that goes along with a follicular hyperplasia in the periductal parotid lymph nodes. However, lymphoepithelial cysts are rare in non-HIV patients. Treatment options are controversial and might include cystic content aspiration, sclerosis-therapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Enucleation of the cyst while preserving the gland might not be resolutive in all cases because the cyst tends to reoccur in other areas of the parotid gland but recurrence appears to be related to tissue alterations promoted by the HIV, therefore not applicable to non-HIV lesions. This article presents a case of parotid lymphoepithelial cyst in a non-HIV patient, highlighting the importance of serum investigation for diagnosis purpose.