Minor salivary glan plemorphic adenoma in the palate: a case report

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor of the salivary gland composed of epitelial and mesenchymal elements. It is the most common tumor of both major and minor salivary glands. The most frequent site of occurrence within the minor salivary glands is the soft palate. This neoplasm typically presents between the fourth and sixth decades of life, with a higher prevalence in females. Clinically, it appears as a unilateral submucosal mass that is painless, slowly growing, and has a firm, rubbery consistency upon palpation. Our pa- tient was a 37-year-old male who visited the otorhinolaryngology clinic due to a volume increase in the palate that had developed over the past month. On physical examination, an increase in volume was noted at the transition between the hard and soft palate on the left side, with a soft and non-painful consistency upon palpation. A fine needle aspiration was performed, resulting in a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. The treatment involved surgical excision of the lesion, and the definitive diagnosis was confirmed through histo- pathological examination. An accurate diagnosis must be made, supported by imaging studies to evaluate bone erosion, extension to adjacent tissues, or nerve involvement. A proper surgical treatment with adequate margins is essential to prevent local recurrence and avoid potential malignant transformation of the lesion, which occurs in 1.9% to 23.3% of cases.