Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of salivary glands: report of nine cases

Abstract

IntroductionPolymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is the second most common type of malignant tumour in the minor salivary glands. Its occurrence in major salivary glands is rare. It is characterized by architectural diversity, a uniform cytological, and a low degree of malignancy.Materiel and methodsWe have done a retrospective histopathological review of 200 benign and malignant salivary gland tumours to list all the cases of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of salivary glands, in the Laboratory of Anatomopathology specialities hospital for five years.ResultsWe identified nine cases of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of salivary glands. The average age of the patients, five women and four men, was 58.3 years. The tumours were 30 to 100 mmlarge; five were in minor salivary glands, and four in the parotid. Histologically, all the tumours had a polymorphous architectural pattern. The tumour cells were uniform, and showed a low mitotic count.ConclusionThe principal interest in studying this tumour is its favourable prognosis, with a low degree of malignancy, and a rare tendency to recur or metastasize.