Benign lymphoepithelial lesion

Benign lymphoepithelial lesion is a type of pathological condition that primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland. It is also known as Godwin's disease or Mikulicz disease when it occurs in conjunction with Sjögren's syndrome.

Etiology

The exact cause of benign lymphoepithelial lesion is unknown. However, it is often associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly Sjögren's syndrome. It has also been linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, which is known to cause a variety of lymphoproliferative disorders.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with benign lymphoepithelial lesion typically present with a painless, slow-growing mass in the parotid gland. Other symptoms may include xerostomia (dry mouth) and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), which are also common in Sjögren's syndrome.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of benign lymphoepithelial lesion is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical imaging such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan, and biopsy of the affected gland. The histological findings typically include a dense infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, with formation of lymphoid follicles.

Treatment

Treatment of benign lymphoepithelial lesion primarily involves management of symptoms. This may include artificial tears and saliva substitutes for dry eyes and mouth, respectively. In some cases, surgical removal of the affected gland may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for benign lymphoepithelial lesion is generally good, as the condition is non-malignant. However, it can cause significant morbidity due to its effects on salivary gland function.

See Also

• Sjögren's syndrome
• Salivary gland diseases
• Lymphoproliferative disorders