OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of sialadenitis with crystalloid formation in four patients that presented with a swelling of the parotid gland. METHODS The swelling was aspirated in all the cases using a 22-gauge needle, and aspirates were submitted as needle and syringe washings in a cytology fixative (30% ethyl alcohol in physiologic saline). From these washings filter preparations were made on Sartorius or Gelman filters (pore size, 3 microns) and stained by the Papanicolaou method. Additionally, cell block preparations were made from the aspirate. After processing, sections were cut and stained by hematoxylin-eosin, Prussian blue, alcian blue, mucicarmine, and Von Kossa and congo red stain. No air-dried smears were made, and no electron microscopic studies were done. RESULTS Stained cytologic preparations and cell blocks showed numerous nonbirefringent crystalloids of varying sizes and shapes appearing as rectangles, needles, squares and rods mixed with neutrophils and rare multinucleated giant cells. No salivary gland components were seen, and all special staining was negative. CONCLUSIONS Fine needle aspiration cytology not only provided an accurate diagnosis of sialadenitis with crystalloids but also resulted in adopting conservative management and avoiding unnecessary surgery.