Pleomorphic Adenoma

Radiographic appearance

A radiolucent defect with well-defined cortical margins

Diagnostic Process

CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging are utilized to determine the size of the mass and its location. A biopsy is done to confirm whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

Sex/age

It is mostly seen in women in the fourth or Fifth decade of their life

Clinical Appearance

Located on either side of the midline of the posterior palate, occurring as a small, painless, firm nodule, usually of the parotid gland.

Location

Parotid gland, but also found in any major or accessory salivary gland anywhere in the oral cavity

Risk Factors

Pleomorphic ademona is generally caused by blockages, but its occurrence has been linked with smoking and exposure to radiation.

Treatment

Surgical excision

Epidemiology/Cause

The most common causes of all salivary gland issues is the inability of the saliva to properly drain, usually from salivary duct blockages.

Microscopic features

The tumor presents a variety of cells: cuboidal, columnar, and squamous cells, showing all forms of epithelial growth. Hence the name mixed tumor.

Pleomorphic Adenoma

a benign tumor of the salivary gland containing varying proportions of epithelial and mesenchymal elements. Also called mixed salivary gland tumor.