Carcinoma Ex-Pleomorphic Adenoma of Parotid Gland with Hepatic Metastasis: Clinico-Radiological Case Report

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma originally called the mixed tumour is a neoplasm commonly involving major salivary glands. The spectrum of malignancy in pleomorphic adenoma comprises three distinct entities – Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, carcinosarcoma and benign metastasising pleomorphic adenoma. Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma consists of pleomorphic adenoma with a malignant epithelial component. Occasionally, carcinomas ex-pleomorphic adenoma develops metastasis. Here we are reporting a case of benign pleomorphic adenoma arising in parotid gland which turned into malignancy after four years. The patient developed facial nerve paralysis suggesting malignant transformation. Along the course of the disease, the patient developed regional metastasis to lymph nodes and neck and distant metastasis to liver. This case report emphasises the role of advanced imaging modalities in the early diagnosis of the condition and evaluation of metastasis. The patients with this condition should be treated early for favorable outcome and investigated for distant metastasis.

Keywords

• salivary glands
• pleomorphic adenoma
• mixed tumour
• malignancy