LAUSR

Introduction The osteoclast-like giant cell is a benign tumor that presents as either an isolated benign tumor or one with a carcinomatous component. This study aims to report a rare case of osteoclast-like giant cell tumor (GCT) of the parotid gland. Case report A 67-year-old female presented with a painless left pre-auricular swelling of 2-month duration which increased in size gradually over that period. On examination, there was a firm, mobile mass with well-defined borders in the left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed a giant cell-rich lesion that was highly cellular and contained a large number of osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells, with clusters of spindle and epithelioid cells. Total parotidectomy was performed. After the operation, the patient was sent for radiotherapy. Discussion The histogenesis and exact nature of this tumor are unknown although numerous ideas have been put forward. The most common clinical manifestation is a painless slow-growing tumor in the parotid area. Primary osteoclast-like GCT of the salivary gland might show concomitant benign or malignant neoplasms. There is also a “pure form” of the tumor that has no accompanying neoplasm. Conclusion GCT of the parotid gland is a rare tumor. The histogenesis and nature of parotid gland GCT are not completely understood. The treatment of choice is total excision followed by radiotherapy.