TUBERCULOSIS OF THE PAROTID-GLAND

Two cases of tuberculous sialadenitis of the parotid gland are reported. Presentation simulated suppurative parotitis in one case and slowly growing benign neoplasm in the other. One patient had systemic manifestations. Although skin tests were positive, they were insignificant since bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination is compulsory in Saudi Arabia. Smears and cultures for acid-fast bacilli were negative. Diagnosis was made by histologic analysis. Excisional biopsy as part of treatment proved better than incisional biopsy, with no fistula formation afterwards. The pathology and management of tuberculosis of the salivary glands are discussed, with review of pertaining literature.