Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with peripheral nerve invasion: a case report

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is a slow-growing benign salivary gland tumor, most commonly arising in the parotid gland. Macroscopically it has a surrounding capsule from which it can be enucleated, the treatment often used in the past. These tumors do not have a true capsule but can compress the surrounding normal salivary gland, frequently having finger-like projections into the normal tissues. Recurrence, or more accurately residual disease, is thought to be due to these small islands of tumor, which can be left behind in surgery, especially in enucleation procedures, which are associated with high recurrence rates. We present a case with a history of multiple previous enucleation procedures due to the pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, which demonstrated malignant pattern including peripheral nerve invasion after superficial parotidectomy.

Keywords

• pleomorphic adenoma
• parotid gland
• peripheral nerve invasion