title: Giant pleomorphic adenoma of the submandibular gland. Case report.
abstract: Salivary glands are sites for a great variety of tumors. The parotid gland is the most common site followed by the submandibular gland. The pleomorphic adenoma represents the 60-70% of all tumors involving the major salivary glands, while the submandibular gland is involved in 8% of cases. The pleomorphic adenoma of the submandibular gland is rare and can present difficulty in diagnosis. The heterogeneous histology, a possible malignant transformation, an incomplete capsule that can determine a recurrence, are the most important characteristics of pleomorphic adenoma. A complete surgical removal of the tumor is the treatment of choice. In the case presented, the mass showed an unusual vascularization and remarkable dimensions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, II Faculty of La Sapienza University, S. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Belli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marini Balestra
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Longo
mesh_terms: D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013365:Submandibular Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*