Giant Intranasal Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pleomorphic adenoma, a heterogeneous mixture of epithelial and myoepithelial cells, commonly found in major salivary glands, accounts for about 3% of benign head and neck tumors. Intranasal pleomorphic adenoma (INPA) is an extremely rare variant forming a mere 8% of all pleomorphic adenomas. Majority of these arise from the nasal septum (82-90%) with only about 8% showing attachment to the lateral nasal wall. Various theories explaining etiopathological basis of INPA have been proposed but none explains its predominance in females in 3rd to 6th decade of life. Hallmark of histopathological picture of pleomorphic adenoma is epithelial tissue mixed with tissues of myxoid, chondroid or mucoid origin. But INPA shows predominantly epithelial component with scanty stroma. Considering its high cellularity and anatomical site, INPA is often misdiagnosed as unilateral nasal malignancy. Early diagnosis ensures complete excision and is paramount to make patient disease free, considering its high potential of recurrence. Hereby, we are presenting a case of giant pleomorphic adenoma of nasal cavity, arising from lateral nasal wall, causing erosion of the base of skull, with the intent of drawing attention to this rare diagnosis. How to cite this article Chavan SS, Bhople KS, Vedi JN, Jain PV, Sonavani M. Giant Intranasal Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Rare Case Report. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(2):96-99.