Kimura's disease--a benign condition that may be confused with malignancy. A case report

A case of Kimura's disease is reported. The importance of this rare benign condition lies in the fact that it is clinically similar to malignant disease. The important principle of confirming the diagnosis by histological examination before embarking on major surgery is highlighted. Similarity to and differentiation from angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is discussed. The patient underwent resection with functional clearance of the neck nodes, and is free from disease after a 2-year follow-up period. Improper management of this rare head and neck lesion may lead to unnecessary cosmetic deformity and significant loss of function.