Pleomorphic adenoma history and symptoms


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun M.D., PhD.

Overview
Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign neoplastic tumour of the salivary glands. It is the most common type of salivary gland tumour and the most common tumour of the parotid gland. It derives its name from the architectural pleomorphism (variable appearance) seen by light microscopy. It is also known as "Mixed tumor, salivary gland type", which describes its pleomorphic appearance as opposed to its dual origin from epithelial and myoepithelial elements.

History and symptoms
The tumour is usually solitary and presents as a slow growing, painless, firm single nodular mass. Isolated nodules are generally outgrowths of the main nodule rather than a multinodular presentation. It is usually mobile unless found in the palate and can cause atrophy of the mandibular ramus when located in the parotid gland. When found in the parotid tail, it may present as an eversion of the ear lobe. Though it is a benign tumour, pleomorphic adenomas have the capacity to grow to large proportions.