Pleomorphic adenoma is a common benign salivary gland tumor that grows slowly over time. It is usually found in the parotid gland and is diagnosed more often in females than males. Factors associated with pleomorphic adenoma may include chain smoking and radiation exposure. Treatment usually involves surgical resection.
A pleomorphic adenoma is the most common form of benign salivary gland tumor. It is also called a mixed tumor, since its histological or tissue origin comes from different cell types. The tumor is usually a hard, mobile, painless solitary mass that grows slowly over time.
Most of these types of tumors develop in the parotid gland, with a smaller incidence in the submandibular glands and minor salivary glands. The salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva in the mouth. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland located near the upper teeth and just below the ear. This gland produces half of the daytime saliva through drainage tubes known as salivary ducts. It has two lobes, the superficial and the deep, separated by the facial nerve. The submandibular glands, on the other hand, are found just under the tongue, while the minor salivary glands line the lips, mouth and throat.
A pleomorphic adenoma generally occurs in adults between the ages of 45 and 60 and is diagnosed more often in females than males. Factors associated with pleomorphic adenoma may include chain smoking and radiation exposure. Most often, however, it is due to blockage of the salivary ducts, which inhibits the drainage of saliva from the glands. There are many untreated reported cases of pleomorphic adenoma. If left untreated, tumors can undergo malignant changes as a result of recurrence. The cancerous transformation is known as a malignant mixed tumor or carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.
Adenomas are commonly tested by fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA is a widely used histopathological technique due to its safety in the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. The procedure is usually performed by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in studying tissue to determine the cause of disease. The test is completed by taking a sample of the tumor using a needle and syringe. The tissue samples are then processed in the laboratory and read by the pathologist. Computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests are also often used to determine the location and size of a tumor.
Treatment for pleomorphic adenoma usually involves surgical resection or removal of part of an organ affected by the tumor. Resection of the benign tumor in the parotid gland is usually done by superficial parotidectomy or removal of the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. A total parotidectomy, which is the removal of both lobes, is also often done to prevent recurrence, but extreme care is needed as this surgery can cause damage to the facial nerve. Surgical excision, or complete removal of the tumor using a scalpel, is performed primarily for benign tumors of the minor salivary glands and submandibular glands.
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