Lymphadenoma arising in the parotid gland: a case report

We report a case of lymphadenoma arising in the parotid gland. A 53-year-old female patient presented with a mass in the parotid gland. Grossly, it was a well-demarcated solid mass measuring 3 cm in diameter. Microscopic examination revealed many cysts or duct-like structures in the background of the prominent lymphoid stroma, confirming a diagnosis of lymphadenoma. This particular case was thought to have arisen from an intraparotid lymph node. Lymphadenoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the salivary gland with partial resemblance to other salivary gland tumors, such as Warthin's tumor, cystadenoma, sebaceous lymphadenoma or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Therefore proper recognition of this rare entity is warranted to avoid confusion in the diagnosis.