NODULAR FASCIITIS OF THE PAROTID-GLAND - REPORT OF A CASE WITH PRESENTATION IN AN UNUSUAL LOCATION AND CYTOLOGIC DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS

The histomorphology of nodular fasciitis (NF), a benign proliferation of myofibroblasts, is well described in the surgical pathology literat ure. The cytomorphology, however, has been reported infrequently. Cyto logic interpretation of this pseudosarcomatous lesion is subject to th e same pitfalls so frequently reported for histologic material. NF ari ses most commonly in the extremities or trunk; occurrence in the parot id gland is relatively uncommon. We describe a case of NF arising in a ssociation with the parotid gland; review the clinical, cytologic, his tologic and immunohistochemical features of NF; and offer a differenti al diagnosis, based on cytologic features, of other benign and maligna nt lesions likely to be encountered at this location.