title: Four cases of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma.
abstract: Since its histologic recognition by the World Health Organization in 1990, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is now regarded as the second most common salivary gland tumour after mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Distinguishing it from high-grade tumours such as adenoid cystic carcinoma or carcinoma arising within a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma is important, as PLGA may usually be treated by local excision alone. Any evidence of incomplete marginal clearance, perineural and perivascular spread, and lymph-node involvement is treated with a course of radiotherapy. Follow-up should be for life, and as reported in this series, long-term survival rates are very good, one of our patients surviving for 11 years. The importance of reporting these cases is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, London, UK.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Crean
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000473:pathology; D018277:Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010159:Palate; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D012470:Salivary Glands, Minor / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D015996:Survival Rate; D014944:World Health Organization