Pleomorphic adenoma in the cheek a rare finding

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma, also known as the benign mixed tumor is the most common tumor of salivary gland origin, accounting for about 60% of all salivary tumors. Up to 80% of tumors which occur in the parotid gland only, 10% in the submandibular glands, and the rest in the minor salivary glands. The pleomorphic adenoma comprises of the majority of both major and minor salivary gland tumors accounting for 3%–10% of neoplasms of head and neck region. The most common sites of pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands are the palate, followed by lips and then cheeks. These minor salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas require diagnosis based on clinical features and incisional biopsy should be avoided. These are managed by wide surgical excision. The recurrence of this tumor is a well-known factor, and inadequate initial surgical procedure is the most common cause of recurrence. Carcinoma arising from pleomorphic adenoma accounts for about 3% of salivary tumors. We are reporting a case of pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands around the upper right buccal vestibule in a 36-year-old female.