Maintaining a high level of suspicion for recurrent malignant disease: report of a case with periapical involvement.
OBJECTIVE
To report the unusual endodontic presentation and radiographic features of a subgroup of pleomorphic adenoma called carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and to stress the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion in cases where primary or recurrent neoplasia is included in the differential diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper describes a case in which a patient with a previous history of malignant neoplasm presented with signs and symptoms similar to a dental infection. The pathology report however confirmed recurrence of the previous tumour in a malignant fashion. The importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion in early management of such disease is highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
*Pleomorphic adenomas, also known as benign mixed tumours, are common salivary gland tumours, which infrequently undergo malignant transformation, with potentially devastating consequences. *Malignant salivary gland tumours can present as dental swelling, dental pain and sudden loss of vitality of teeth so both general practitioners and specialists have the responsibility to evaluate such patients with a broad vision. *Radiographic differential diagnosis of periapical radiolucency should also include malignant salivary gland tumours. *This case highlights the need of vigilance at all times and emphasizes the benefits of biopsy and histological examination in the diagnosis of recurrent malignant salivary gland tumours.
Dewan
K
K
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK. karun.dewan@swansea-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Owens
J
J
Silvester
K
K
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery