Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Apr 2021)

A case report of pleomorphic adenoma squamous metaplasia resembling metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma

  • E. Donohoe,
  • R. Courtney,
  • S. Phelan,
  • P.J. McCann

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2
p. 100074

Abstract

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Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumour of the salivary glands. It accounts for up to 76% of all salivary gland neoplasms and most commonly affects the parotid gland. Extensive squamous metaplasia in such tumours can cause histological misinterpretation, leading to misdiagnosis in some circumstances. We present a patient who had a pleomorphic adenoma misdiagnosed as metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma. This case highlights the potential difficulties and diagnostic pitfalls, which may arise when diagnosing pleomorphic adenomas.

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