Kimura's disease of the parotid gland: a case report

Kimura's disease (KD) is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of unknown origin that is more commonly seen in Asia. Lymphadenopathy in head and neck region and subcutaneous swelling are accompanied with increased serum IgE levels. In some cases renal involvement is seen. A 46-year-old male patient was operated on for a painless mass in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland. Histopathologic examination of the specimen yielded the diagnosis of KD. Kimura's disease, even though rarely encountered, must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland tumors, and KD patients should be carefully followed-up for renal involvement and recurrence in the postoperative period.