Benign Lymphoepithelial Cyst: An Unusual Cause of Parotid Swelling in Two Immunocompetent Patients

BACKGROUND: Lymphoepithelial cysts, which are benign and slow-growing tumours, usually involve the head and neck regions. Benign lymphoepithelial cysts (BLECs) are the most common cause of parotid swelling in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and are less common in immunocompetent patients.

CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present two cases of immunocompetent patients with long-standing, progressively enlarging parotid swelling. Postoperative histopathological examination of these patients revealed features of BLEC.

CONCLUSION: Wide surgical excision is the gold standard for treatment and recurrences is rare. These cases are of particular interest because of the rarity of BLEC in HIV-negative patients and highlight an important differential diagnosis of parotid swelling.