Extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland: a case report with a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

A case of solitary extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland is reported. A discussion concerning the clinical features, imaging modalities, diagnostic methods and management of cysticercosis, along with a review of relevant literature is also presented.

CASE REPORT

A young female patient presented with features resembling acute parotitis. Solitary cysticercosis of the parotid gland was diagnosed, based on fine needle aspiration cytology and radiological investigations. Medical therapy was effective, consequently surgery was deferred.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of solitary extracranial cysticercosis of the parotid gland. A high index of suspicion for such parasitic infestations is essential even in non-endemic areas due to the ease of worldwide travel.