Lymphangioma presenting as a primary parotid neoplasm in an adult. Report of a case with the diagnosis suggested by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

A 38-year-old man presented with a unilateral, asymptomatic parotid gland mass. A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass, consisting predominantly of small lymphocytes, suggested the possibility of a lymphangioma. Microscopic examination of the subsequent parotidectomy specimen revealed a cystic lymphangioma involving the parotid gland and periparotid soft tissue. Although the presentation of a lymphangioma as a primary parotid neoplasm in an adult is a rare event, the differential diagnosis of a parotid gland aspirate containing small lymphocytes should include a lymphangioma.