Cytology as a rapid tool in diagnosing tuberculosis of the parotid gland: A case series with a review of the literature

Abstract

Tubercular infection of the parotid gland often confuses clinicians, it being a rare entity even in an endemic area. Its similarity in presentation with that of parotid neoplasms, nonspecific symptoms, low incidence and non-contributory radiological findings often leads to its misdiagnosis as parotid neoplasm, which in the due course results in parotidectomy. Therefore, FNAC of parotid swelling is helpful to avoid unnecessary surgery and patient discomfort. We report four cases of FNAC of parotid swelling with suspicion of neoplasm/inflammatory lesion and were diagnosed as tuberculosis of the parotid gland. They were advised antitubercular drugs for 6 months and followed up. These case are reported not just to highlight that parotid is a rare site for tuberculosis, but also to ascertain that FNAC can be an easy and fast diagnostic modality for confirmation of tubercular parotitis rather than going through the long way of resection and confirmation on histopathology.