Pleomorphic adenoma presenting as retroauricular mass: an unusual case

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland tumours that mostly affect the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. They are commonly found incidentally as rigid, unilateral, painless masses, growing gradually. Ninety percent of pleomorphic adenomas occur in the parotid gland, while 10% appear in minor salivary glands. The incidence of the parotid tumour is 2.4 in 10,000 per year. We describe the case of a 53-year-old woman presenting with a gradually growing retroauricular mass on the left side of the ear. Radiographic imaging and histopathological findings suggested a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. The tumour was removed and the patient recovered well upon follow-up.