Resolution of HIV-associated Cystic Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of the Parotid Gland in a Patient Undergoing Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Abstract

Cystic benign lymphoepithelial lesion, a previously rare lesion of the parotid gland characterized by multiple cysts accompanied by marked lymphoid hyperplasia, is increasingly reported in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. The case of a 59-year-old man without identifiable risk factors for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is presented, in whom the development of cystic benign lymphoepithelial lesions led to the diagnosis of the underlying human immunodeficiency virus infection. The lymphoepithelial lesion remained unchanged for 8 years. When chemotherapy was instituted for abdominal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma all cystic lesions resolved completely. This previously undescribed phenomenon strongly supports the concept that the development of the cysts is secondary to the mechanical obstruction of salivary ducts caused by lymphoid hyperplasia and not due to true de novo cyst formation