Parotid Lymphoepithelial Lesions and Squamous Cell Metaplasia in Sarcoidosis

Parotid sarcoidosis is rare. We report a case in which sarcoidosis was revealed by parotid nodules. The medical history revealed cutaneo-respiratory atopia, the blood group type was O. The ultrasound examination was suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma while the computed tomography scan of intraparotid lymph node. Histologically the parotid lesions were peculiar by the association to the non-caseating granulomas of lymphoepithelial lesions with CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ exocytosis, of ductal squamous cell metaplasia and of calcifications.

In conclusion, lymphoepithelial lesions, squamous cell metaplasia and with T cell exocytosis may occur in parotid sarcoidosis. Parotid sarcoidosis may be misdiagnosed clinically or on imaging explorations with a pleomorphic adenoma or parotid lymph nodes while on microscopy with tuberculous, calculous or carcinoma-related duct obstruction granulomatous sialadenitis or with inflammatory pseudotumors. Associations with blood group type O, atopic disease or hypercalcemia are to be further investigated.