Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: histopathologic analysis of the capsular characteristics of 218 tumors.
BACKGROUND
Histopathologic features of the capsule may have an impact on the recurrence rate of pleomorphic adenomas.


METHODS
Retrospective (n = 154) and prospective (n = 64) histologic analysis of the capsular characteristics such as incompleteness, tumor penetration, pseudopodia, and satellite tumors of 218 pleomorphic adenomas.


RESULTS
In 160 of the 218 (73%) pleomorphic adenomas, 1 or more capsular characteristics such as incomplete capsule (33%), capsule penetration (26%), pseudopodia (40%), and satellite nodules (13%) were detected. Incomplete capsule and satellite tumors were most frequently seen in the stroma-rich (myxoid) subtype. Capsular penetration and pseudopodia were significantly more common in the prospective group than in the retrospective group (p < .05/<.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Pseudopodia and satellite tumors were more common than reported in the literature. If left in the surrounding salivary gland tissue at surgery, they can lead to recurrences of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland.
Zbären
Peter
P
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland. peter.zbaeren@insel.ch
Stauffer
Edouard
E
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome