Lymphoid lesions of the parotid

Lymphoid lesions of the parotid gland are much less common than their epith elial counterparts, and thus cytologic experience on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is limited FNA of lymphoid lesions with ancillary aids (flow cytomet ry and immunophenotypic studies) can make a definitive diagnosis. All FNAs of the parotid gland performed at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in an 8-yr spa n (1990-1998) were reviewed retrospectively. In all, 391 cases were done, o f which 76 cases of lymphoid lesions were identified. The relevant cytology , histology, and flow cytometry were analyzed. Of the 76 lymphoid lesions, results included reactive lesions (n = 35), lymphoepithelial cysts (n = 27) , malignant lymphomas (n = 12), an atypical lymphoid population (n = 1), an d Sjogren's disease (n = 1). We conclude that both reactive and malignant l ymphoid lesions of the parotid can be diagnosed on FNA with adjunctive test s such as flow cytometry and immunophenotyping, obviating the need for surg ery: Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;21:170-173. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.