Learning objectives
Know different locations of pleomorphic adenoma in head and neck,
its radiological findings and illustrate with cases from our hospital.
Background
The pleomorphic adenoma (or benign mixed tumor) is the most common tumor in the major salivary glands,
especially the parotid gland.
It also sits in the minor salivary glands and is rare in other locations of the head and neck.
Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor that contains both mesenchymal and epithelial elements.
At histologic analysis,
pleomorphic adenoma has a fibrous pseudocapsule with epithelial cells.
Cells may form nests or tubules that resemble ducts.
The background stroma may appear myxoid with spindle-shaped cells and mucin...
Findings and procedure details
We reviewed cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck from our hospital.
The most common locations were the major salivary glands (parotid and submandibular gland).
Less frequent locations were the soft palate,
parapharyngeal space and lacrimal gland (figure 1,
diapo 7).
The algorithm of imaging proposed included ultrasound,
contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or nonenhanced and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,
applied in a different order depending on clinical data.
Generally it was presented as solid,
lobulated,
well-defined and homogeneous mass and normally a solitary...
Conclusion
The pleomorphic adenoma is more common in the major salivary glands,
but may also be located in other areas of the head and neck.
It has a characteristic appearance on imaging tests that allows recognizing it in atypical locations.
References
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