Primary Parotid Tuberculosis Mimicking Parotid Neoplasm: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Abstract
Tuberculosis of the parotid gland is a rare clinical entity and may indistinguishable from parotid neoplasm. Diagnosis of this condition is important because the treatment of parotid tuberculosis is medical while treatment of parotid neoplasm is surgical. We describe a case of tuberculosis of left parotid gland in a 35-year-old female patient. Fine needle aspiration was inconclusive and radiology was indicative of benign neoplasm. Superficial parotidectomy was done. A diagnosis of tuberculosis of parotid gland was made on histopathology. Patient was successfully treated with six months anti-tubercular therapy. Tuberculosis of the parotid gland should always be kept in differential diagnosis of long standing parotid swelling especially in cases of inconclusive FNAC. A high index of suspicion is always needed and surgery can be avoided.