Benign Yet Complex: Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Hard Palate

Abstract

Pleomorphic Adenoma is the most common tumor affecting both major and minor salivary glands and the most common intraoral site is the palate. 23 A male complained of a hard, painless mass over the left side of the hard palate, persisting for the last 2 years. On examination, a firm, well-circumscribed, smooth, non-tender, fixed mass over the hard palate measuring 2 cm × 2 cm. CBCT imaging showed a well-defined, lobulated enhancing lesion on the left half of the hard palate without signs of infiltration. Histopathology revealed a loosely arranged capsule. Tumor cells consisting of epithelial and myoepithelial cells arranged in sheets, strands, and cords in the matrix. Myxoid, myxochondroid, and osseous areas were seen. Squamous differentiation with keratin formation and lipomatous metaplasia is evident focally. The definitive treatment protocol for pleomorphic adenoma of the palate is its Complete surgical excision with removal of entire specimen to avoid recurrence. Pleomorphic adenoma can sometimes be difficult to diagnose due to its complexity. Specifically, in this clinical case, keratinization and lipomatous changes may help expand knowledge about PA, especially among professionals with less experience.