Polycystic dysgenetic disease of the parotid gland (PDDP) is a rare benign condition of the parotid gland. The disorder presents often in childhood or young adulthood, but may occur later in life. It occurs most commonly in females. Features include fluctuating and nontender swelling of the parotid gland bilaterally, without defects in salivary function. Histology shows replacement of the lobular portion of the parotid gland by multiple epithelial-lined cysts arising from the intercalated ducts. The cysts often contain altered salivary secretions, including spheroliths or microliths; eosinophilic congophilic deposits have also been described. Chronic inflammation is not present. The condition is thought to result from a developmental defect of the intercalated duct system. Surgery may be indicated for diagnosis or for cosmetic reasons (summary by Smyth et al., 1993; Layfield and Gopez, 2002; Eley et al., 2011). [from OMIM]

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