Pleomorphic adenoma with extensive squamous metaplasia: The first well-documented case involving the submandibular gland

Abstract

Background: Pleomorphic adenoma with extensive squamous metaplasia is relatively uncommon. Most reported cases in the English literature have involved the minor salivary glands. Case report: A 49-year-old male presented with a 5-year history of a right submandibular lump diagnosed as an adenoma on ultrasound. Excision was conducted under general anesthesia. Histological evaluation revealed a pleomorphic adenoma with extensive squamous metaplasia. Discussion: Pleomorphic adenoma with extensive squamous metaplasia can present a diagnostic dilemma as the differential diagnoses include benign and malignant entities, this is particularly so for small biopsy specimens. We describe an unusual occurrence of this entity in a major salivary gland and discuss its differential diagnoses.

Keywords

• Pleomorphic adenoma
• Salivary gland