A Rare Case of a Dermoid Cyst of Parotid Gland

ABSTRACT

Dermoid cysts are benign lesions containing tissues of ectodermal and mesodermal germ layers. The incidence of dermoid cyst in head and neck region is only 7% while in parotid gland only 18 cases have been reported in the literature. An 18-year-old male presented with a slow growing, painless and soft swelling in the right pre-auricular region. According to the patient, he had this swelling since birth. Ultrasonography was suggestive of a 3X3 cm cystic lesion within the right parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed predominantly anucleate squames and keratinous debris indicating towards the possibility of a dermoid cyst of parotid. The lesion was surgically excised with superficial parotidectomy, preserving the facial nerve. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Post-operative period was uneventful and patient recovered well. Owing to the rarity of dermoid cysts in the head and neck region and more so within the parotid gland, this case is being reported here.