Parotid lymphoepithelial cysts revealing HIV infection in a 12-year-old girl: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: benign lymphoepithelial cysts are benign lesions consisting of one or more cysts of the salivary glands or neck regions that occur in 3–6% of patients with positive HIV serology. The objective of this work is to discuss the link between HIV and benign lymphoepithelial cysts. Case presentation The authors report a case of benign lymphoepithelial parotid cysts in a 12-year-old girl who underwent a partial parotidectomy. HIV serology was performed in the patient and all her family and was positive only in the girl. Clinical discussion Benign lymphoepithelial lesions of the parotid gland represent the main parotid pathology associated with HIV infection. They may be the first clinical manifestation of the virus. Diagnosis is often difficult, in most cases after surgical excision and histopathological evaluation of the mass. Treatment options include observation, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), aspiration, sclerotherapy, and surgery. Conclusion Because of the close relationship between parotid lymphoepithelial cysts and HIV infection, it is important to perform HIV serology in any patient with these types of cysts.