ADENOMATOID HYPERPLASIA OF THE PALATE: AN UNCOMMON LESION OFTEN MIMICKING SALIVARY GLAND TUMOR

Abstract

Adenomatoid hyperplasia of the minor salivary glands is an uncommon benign proliferation of mucous glandular tissue. This lesion may clinically resemble a neoplasm of salivary gland origin. We present a case of an adenomatoid hyperplasia of minor salivary glands on the palate. A 42-year-old female patient was referred after presenting with a painless swelling of approximately 1.5 cm diameter in the left side of the hard palate. An excisional biopsy was performed. Microscopically, the specimen presented several lobules of minor salivary gland, all almost constituted by mucinous acini. At the periphery, hyperkeratotic stratified squamous epithelium lining, with mild chronic inflammation in the underlying connective tissue, was observed. The patient continues to be observed, and there has been no evidence of recurrence after 6 months’ of follow up. The adenomatoid hyperplasia pathogenesis remains unknown; however, clinicians should be aware of this condition, which may mimic a salivary gland neoplasm. Adenomatoid hyperplasia of the minor salivary glands is an uncommon benign proliferation of mucous glandular tissue. This lesion may clinically resemble a neoplasm of salivary gland origin. We present a case of an adenomatoid hyperplasia of minor salivary glands on the palate. A 42-year-old female patient was referred after presenting with a painless swelling of approximately 1.5 cm diameter in the left side of the hard palate. An excisional biopsy was performed. Microscopically, the specimen presented several lobules of minor salivary gland, all almost constituted by mucinous acini. At the periphery, hyperkeratotic stratified squamous epithelium lining, with mild chronic inflammation in the underlying connective tissue, was observed. The patient continues to be observed, and there has been no evidence of recurrence after 6 months’ of follow up. The adenomatoid hyperplasia pathogenesis remains unknown; however, clinicians should be aware of this condition, which may mimic a salivary gland neoplasm.