Step 1: Pleomorphic adenoma is the commonest benign tumour of the salivary glands, and the parotid gland is by far its most frequent site. Step 2: It is also called a mixed tumour of the salivary gland type. The name reflects its dual origin from epithelial and myoepithelial elements together with a chondromyxoid stroma, which gives the swelling a characteristically mixed or variegated consistency on palpation. Step 3: Clinically it presents as a slow growing, painless, lobulated parotid swelling that feels firm in parts and softer in others. Step 4: Sebaceous and dermoid cysts are skin adnexal lesions and do not present as a true parotid mass of mixed consistency, so they are incorrect. Pleomorphic adenoma is the answer.