Palatal swelling

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is a most common benign neoplasm of salivary glands that has the epithelial as well as the mesenchymal elements. The World Health Organization in 1972 defined pleomorphic adenoma as a “well-defined tumor characterized by its pleomorphic or mixed appearance.” There is intermixing of the clearly identified epithelial components with mucoid, myxoid, and chondroid components. Pleomorphic adenoma most commonly arises in the parotid or submandibular gland and infrequently occurs in minor salivary glands and presents as intraoral swellings on the palate or lip. The tumor shows a malignant transformation rate of about 9%, and a high recurrence rate has been reported. This case report highlights the clinical, radiological, and histopathological presentation of pleomorphic adenoma.