Common head and neck manifestations of AIDS

Head and neck manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can involve the skin, ear, upper aerodigestive tract, and neck. Several head and neck manifestations of AIDS may be the only initial sign of this disease process and therefore primary-care physicians and otolaryngologists must be able to recognize and understand the management of these lesions. Cystic enlargement of the parotid gland and Kaposi's sarcoma are increasingly being encountered in the head and neck exam of HIV-infected patients. An example of each of these disease processes is presented with full discussion about the various treatment methods.