Toxoplasmosis lymphadenitis mimicking a parotid mass

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect birds and mammals including humans. The disease is common throughout the world, and the most common clinical form is generalized or localized lymphadenopathy. However, in the literature, toxoplasmosis manifesting as a parotid mass is extremely rare. A 37-year-old female was admitted to our department with a painless mass in the parotid region, which had been present for one month. Upon physical examination, a hard, mobile, superficially located, and painless parotid mass with a size of 2x2 cm was detected. Following the diagnosis of a parotid neoplasm, a superficial parotidectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen supported a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis lymphadenitis. Specific serum immunoglobulin levels were studied and results also confirmed the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The patient was given rovamycine for three weeks, and on 12 months follow-up, the patient was still free of recurrence.