Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma of the parotid gland.

OBJECTIVES

To highlight the first reported case of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma of the parotid gland. We also review the clinical presentations and treatments for this rare condition.

METHOD: Case report and review of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma.

RESULTS

A 48-year-old man presented with a right parotid mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of Warthin's tumour, for which the patient underwent a subtotal parotidectomy. The final histopathological diagnosis was necrobiotic xanthogranuloma.

CONCLUSIONS

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma may clinically mimic commoner tumours such as Warthin's tumour. Once diagnosed, the clinician should be wary of extracutaneous manifestations and paraproteinaemias. Because of the variability of presentation, there is no consensus on the best treatment for necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, interferon, plasmapheresis and radiation therapy.