Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the upper lip: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma or mixed tumour is a benign salivary gland tumour, presenting usually in the parotid or submandibular glands. This tumour contains elements of both epithelial and mesenchymal origin. They are the most common tumours (50%), (60-65%) of the major and minor salivary glands. The palate is considered as the most common intraoral site (42.8-68.8%), followed by the upper lip (10.1%) and cheek (5.5%). A 37 year old female Nigerian house wife was seen with a four year history of painless slowly progressive upper lip swelling. Prior to her presentation, she had surgery for same swelling in a peripheral hospital. All other histories were not significant. PA remains the commonest benign minor salivary gland neoplasm and excision with safe margins the treatment of choice.