Tuberculous parotitis: A case series diagnosed on fine needle aspiration

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern with diverse clinical manifestations. Parotid tuberculosis, although rare, presents diagnostic challenges due to its atypical presentation. Cytological examination is pivotal in diagnosing parotid lesions. Case presentation: We present three cases of parotid tuberculosis diagnosed through cytology. A 31-year-old male presented with a painless left parotid swelling. FNAC revealed granulomatous inflammation with AFB positivity. The second case, a 14-year-old female had an enlarging mass in the left parotid. FNAC showed granulomas, confirmed by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. The third case, a 39-year-old female presented with a painless swelling in the left parotid. FNAC demonstrated granulomatous inflammation, confirmed by mycobacterial culture. Conclusion: Cytological examination plays a crucial role in diagnosing parotid tuberculosis. These cases underscore the importance of considering TB in parotid masses. Collaboration among clinicians, radiologists, and cytopathologists is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt management. Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic algorithms for parotid tuberculosis.