A Rare Case of Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Hard Palate with Extensive Oncocytic Metaplasia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14748/wrcwx534Keywords:
pleomorphic adenoma, oncocytes, salivary glands, hard palateAbstract
Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor of the salivary glands, predominantly affecting the parotid gland. Its occurrence in the minor salivary glands of the hard palate is relatively rare. While oncocytic metaplasia is well-documented in various salivary gland tumors, it is exceptionally uncommon in pleomorphic adenomas. This report presents a rare case of pleomorphic adenoma of the hard palate with extensive oncocytic metaplasia, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and the importance of histopathological evaluation. A 46-year-old male presented with a painless, slow-growing palatal lesion. Clinical and imaging findings suggested a benign tumor, leading to complete surgical excision. Histopathological analysis confirmed pleomorphic adenoma with substantial oncocytic transformation, a feature rarely reported in the literature. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed during an 8-month follow-up. Given its atypical histological features, oncocytic pleomorphic adenoma can pose significant diagnostic difficulties, particularly in preoperative cytological evaluations. This case underscores the necessity of thorough histopathological examination to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient management.
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