A rare entity in salivary gland pathology: A case report of an epidermoid cyst in the parotid gland

Introduction and importance: Cystic lesions of the parotid gland are uncommon, comprising approximately 5 % of all salivary gland tumours. Among these, epidermoid cysts are particularly rare. These benign developmental cysts typically manifest in the skin of the scalp, face, and neck, but are rarely observed in the parotid gland. It is of paramount importance to be able to differentiate these lesions from malignancies, given the similarities in their clinical presentations. Case presentation: We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who experienced a gradual, painless swelling in the right parotid region over the course of a year. Clinical discussion: A physical examination revealed the presence of a 3 cm cystic mass in the parotid gland. Magnetic Imaging Resonance (MRI) revealed a well-defined, multilobulated cystic formation with characteristics consistent with a non-neoplastic cyst. The surgical procedure involved a superficial parotidectomy, which resulted in the successful removal of the cyst and no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Epidermoid cysts in the parotid gland are uncommon but can be effectively managed with precise diagnostic and surgical techniques. It is imperative that accurate preoperative imaging and histopathological examination are conducted in order to distinguish these benign cysts from malignant tumours, thereby ensuring the appropriate treatment and favourable outcomes.