Nontyrosine crystalloids in fine-needle aspiration specimens of the parotid gland: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Three fine-needle aspiration biopsies from 2 patients with parotid masses yielded large numbers of nontyrosine crystalloids. One patient proved to have a benign cyst that was resected because it did not subside following two fine-needle aspirates. In a second patient, the swelling shrank after a course of antibiotics and fine-needle aspiration/drainage of the cyst. Recognition that crystalloids are associated with benign disease is important and should be considered in the management of these patients. The outcome of the patients studied here and of those previously reported has been benign. Conservative management of patients with parotid masses that contain nontyrosine crystalloids is indicated.