Differentiating HIV-1 parotid cysts from papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum

BACKGROUND: Patients with parotid cystic lesions may first be seen in the dental office. These conditions most often represent either papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, or PCL, or lymphoepithelial cysts associated with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, disease. The authors present a case report to illustrate the differential diagnosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: PCL represents a benign, usually unilateral, circumscribed parotid tumor with cystic elements. HIV-associated lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland usually are seen bilaterally, create cosmetic concerns and are hallmarked by an associated cervical lymphadenopathy. Therapy for PCL demands surgical excision, while patients with HIV-associated lymphoepithelial cysts may be treated with antiviral therapy and undergo periodic monitoring by a physician. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: As a member of the health care team, the dentist must be familiar with head and neck swellings. Early clinical recognition of parotid swellings leads to successful treatment.