Extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck: a 10-year experience and review of the literature.
Pleomorphic adenomas, or benign mixed tumors, make up 65% of all salivary gland tumors. They also can be found as solid tumors in other parts of the head and neck region, such as the auditory canal, the eyelids, and the orbital area. In this study, we investigated extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas of the head and neck region retrospectively at a tertiary care center. Between March 1998 and June 2009, 37 patients underwent primary surgery for extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck. The duration of symptoms, radiographic findings, operative procedures, and pathologic findings were documented. Of the 37 patients enrolled, 22 were male and 15 were female, with a median age of 57 years. Tumors were found in the soft palate, hard palate, nasopharynx, orbital area, trachea, buccal mucosa, cheek, nasal septum, upper lip, lower eyelid, and external auditory canal. Cellular variant of the pleomorphic adenoma was found in four patients, while the remaining patients presented with the classic variant. No myxoid subgroup was noted in our study. Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was observed only in one patient for whom radical surgery was performed. Twenty-eight patients (76%) had long-term follow-ups, with the average follow-up period being 4.5 years. Local recurrence was observed in three patients, and they underwent revision surgery during the follow-up period. Our results indicate that extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas are most commonly found in the soft palate. Wide excision was the treatment of choice, although its efficacy might be compromised with cosmetics and functional structures of the head and neck. Therefore, long-term follow-up of patients is necessary.
Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, No 201, Shih-Pai Road, Sec 2, Taipei, Taiwan.
Yen-Ling
YL
Kuo
Tzong-Yang
TY
Tu
Chia-Fan
CF
Chang
Wing-Yin
WY
Li
Shyue-Yih
SY
Chang
An-Suey
AS
Shiao
Pen-Yuan
PY
Chu
Kee-Tak
KT
Chan
Shyh-Kuan
SK
Tai
Yi-Fen
YF
Wang
Shu-Ching
SC
Kao
Shou-Yen
SY
Kao
Wen-Liang
WL
Lo
Cheng-Hsien
CH
Wu
Wen-Hu
WH
Shu
Shu
S
Ma
Tien-Hsiang
TH
Wang
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult