Benign Cystic Lesions of the Parotid Gland

Cysts of the salivary glands may originate as benign non-neoplastic entities or in association with benign and malignant tumors of the salivary glands. Cysts of the parotid gland represent a clinical dilemma. They may be unilateral or bilateral, congenital or acquired. This chapter discusses the etiology and classification of benign cystic parotid lesions. In addition, it addresses the etiology, pathology, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of “sialocele” that results from glandular or ductal injury, benign lymphoepithelial cyst, epidermal (epidermoid) cyst, dermoid cyst, and hydatid cysts of the parotid gland.