Cystic lesions of the parotid gland

In a series of 708 parotidectomies (partial or total), we found 23 cystic lesions. Of these, 16 met the criteria for so-called "branchial cysts"; five were retention cysts of duct origin, and the remaining two were epidermal inclusion cysts. The principles of diagnosis and treatment of parotid cysts are presented.