The Great Imposter: An Atypical Case of Pleomorphic Adenoma With Review of Literature

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenomas (PA) are the most common type of salivary gland tumors. These slow-growing benign tumors most commonly involve the parotid gland, but can sometimes occur at atypical sites such as the submandibular or minor salivary glands. We describe an atypical case of pleomorphic adenoma with multicentric involvement of the parotid, the submandibular gland, and the parapharyngeal space in a 35year-old male which mimicked a slow-flow malformation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diagnosis was confirmed on fine needle aspiration cytology, and conservative approach was opted for the patient in view of perioperative risks. This case highlights the uncommon multicentricity and atypical presentation of PA, challenging the initial differential diagnosis based on MRI features. It also underscores the importance of considering atypical presentations and utilizing accurate diagnostic tools like cytology for managing complex salivary gland tumors.