Pleomorphic adenoma

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| Pleomorphic adenoma | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Benign mixed tumor |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Painless, slow-growing mass |
| Complications | Rare malignant transformation |
| Onset | Middle age |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Risks | Radiation exposure, genetic factors |
| Diagnosis | Fine needle aspiration, Ultrasound, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Warthin's tumor, Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Surgical excision |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Excellent with treatment |
| Frequency | Most common salivary gland tumor |
| Deaths | N/A |
Pleomorphic Adenoma is a benign neoplasm characterized by a mix of epithelial and myoepithelial cells, along with a mesenchymal component that can include mucoid, myxoid, cartilaginous, or osseous areas. It is the most common type of salivary gland tumor.
Characteristics[edit]
Pleomorphic adenomas are often encapsulated, either completely or partially. They are notable for their diverse histological appearance, hence the term "pleomorphic" (meaning "many forms").
Occurrence[edit]
This tumor type primarily occurs in:
- Parotid gland
- Submandibular gland
- Minor salivary glands in the oral cavity
- Upper respiratory tract
- Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Symptoms[edit]
Pleomorphic adenomas usually present as a slow-growing, painless mass. In some cases, patients may experience pain or facial palsy.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
- Physical examination
- Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans
- Biopsy to confirm the histological diagnosis
Treatment[edit]
The standard treatment for pleomorphic adenoma is surgical excision. Complete removal is necessary to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Potential Complications[edit]
Complications of pleomorphic adenoma may include:
- Recurrence after excision
- Rare transformation into a malignant neoplasm (carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma)
External Links[edit]
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - Pleomorphic Adenoma
- American Cancer Society - What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?
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