Pitfalls in Cytodiagnosis of Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Nasal Septum - A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign mixed tumor of major salivary gland. Ectopic occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma are seen in minor salivary glands of pharynx, trachea, larynx and very rarely in nasal septum. We report a case of 40 year old female who presented with right sided nasal mass and mild nasal obstruction since six months. Cytologically a possibility of pleomorphic adenoma was made which was confirmed by histopathological study. We present this case due to 1) rarity in the nasal septum 2) pitfalls at cytology due to abundance (predominance) of myoepithelial cells and scanty or even absent mesenchymal component and 3) under reporting in English literature to the best of our knowledge.

Keywords

• Pleomorphic adenoma
• Nasal septum
• Fine needle aspiration cytology