Multinucleated giant cells in HIV-associated benign lymphoepithelial cyst-like lesions of the parotid gland on FNAC.

Benign lymphoepithelial cyst-like lesion (BLEL), a previously rare lesion of the parotid gland consisting of marked lymphoid hyperplasia with accompanying squamous-lined cysts, has been described in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS risk factors. Histologically, these cysts are lined by a squamous or cuboidal epithelium. The lumen contains a pale homogenous material with foamy macrophages and lymphocytes with the cyst wall having germinal centers and a dense infiltrate of lymphoid cells. On FNAC, the aspirates are mostly cystic with the presence of reactive lymphoid tissue, numerous histiocytes, and metaplastic cell clusters. Multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) are also rarely seen in such lesions. We report a case of HIV-associated BLEL with numerous large sized multinucleated giant cells.