Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of the Salivary Gland

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A benign lesion that involves the salivary glands, usually the parotid gland. It affects females more often than males and it may be a manifestation of autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren syndrome. There is an increased incidence of benign lymphoepithelial lesions in HIV-positive patients. It is characterized by the presence of a marked lymphocytic infiltrate and epi-myoepithelial islands in the affected salivary gland. Patients usually present with firm and painless swelling of the affected salivary gland. There is an increased risk for development of lymphoma.

**Synonyms:** - Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of Salivary Gland - Benign Salivary Gland Lymphoepithelial Lesion - Godwin Tumor