title: DNA aneuploidy as a topographic malignant transformation pattern in a pleomorphic adenoma of long-term evolution: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We present a case of long-term evolution of a submandibular pleomorphic adenoma. There is little information about topographic malignant transformation patterns of pleomorphic adenomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  We extensively analyze a giant submandibular mixed tumor of 25-year evolution in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was evaluated in different superficial and deep areas using flow cytometry analysis and correlated with pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Superficial areas exhibited a typical histological pleomorphic adenoma pattern and were deoxyribonucleic acid diploid. Deep samples showed deoxyribonucleic acid aneuploidy, atypical histological benign features and expression of markers involved at an early-stage of malignant transformation, such as tumor protein 53 and antigen Ki67.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings revealed that deep tumor compartments may be involved in the initial stages of malignant transformation. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy analysis may provide an additional diagnosis tool and indicate 'uncertain' areas that require careful study to avoid diagnostic errors. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate the usefulness of the technique.
authors: University of Oviedo, School of Dentistry, 33009, Oviedo, Spain. Junquera@uniovi.es.
authors: Lorena
authors: L
authors: Gallego
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Junquera
authors: Josué
authors: J
authors: Hernando
authors: Manuel F
authors: MF
authors: Fresno
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Salas
authors: Tommaso
authors: T
authors: Cutilli