MRI of intranasal pleomorphic adenoma

A pleomorphic adenoma in the nasal cavity constitutes a rarity. A 48-year-old woman presented with intranasal pleomorphic adenoma revealed by unilateral continuous obstruction and occasional epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy showed a mucosa-covered and opalescent polypoidal mass arising from the left nasal septum. Unlike cases affecting the major salivary gland, magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed that the mass showed a low signal intensity on T1-weighted image and a heterogeneous, intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted image. MRI findings can aid in diagnosis and help exclude the possibility of other neoplasms that occur at this site.     

MRI of intranasal pleomorphic adenoma

A pleomorphic adenoma in the nasal cavity constitutes a rarity. A 48-year-old woman presented with intranasal pleomorphic adenoma revealed by unilateral continuous obstruction and occasional epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy showed a mucosa-covered and opalescent polypoidal mass arising from the left nasal septum. Unlike cases affecting the major salivary gland, magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed that the mass showed a low signal intensity on T1-weighted image and a heterogeneous, intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted image. MRI findings can aid in diagnosis and help exclude the possibility of other neoplasms that occur at this site.     

Radiotherapy for pleomorphic adenoma

Purpose

The aim of this study was to update our experience in treating pleomorphic adenoma with radiotherapy (RT).

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 25 patients treated with RT alone (2 patients) or combined with surgery (23 patients), with follow-up ranging from 1.8 to 34.9 years (median, 10.5 years).

Results

Local control was achieved in 13 (75%) of 16 patients with subclinical disease and 5 (56%) of 9 patients with gross disease. Overall local control was achieved in 18 (72%) of 25 patients. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year overall local control rates were 76 %, 76%, and 68%, respectively. Ten patients died of the following causes: recurrent disease, 2; malignant transformation, 2; and intercurrent disease, 6. At last follow-up, 14 patients were alive without evidence of disease, and 1 patient was alive with disease. Dental carries and transient facial nerve deficits were the most common complications. No patients developed severe complications subsequent to RT.

Conclusions

In patients at high risk for developing recurrent pleomorphic adenoma after surgery, RT is effective in controlling subclinical disease.     

Metastasis of a pleomorphic adenoma

OBSERVATION: A 53-year-old man underwent a right parotidectomy in 1993 for a pleomorphic adenoma. The tumor relapsed locally, three years later, imposing a reoperation. The histology was unchanged. Two years later, the excision of a new local recurrence revealed a histological evolution with intravascular emboli, some cellular atypia and some mitoses. One year later, in a context of cephalgia and amaurosis, metastases were discovered on the calvarial skull. These were treated by radiotherapy. The patient died of a cerebral hemorrhage related to a history of familial autoimmune thrombocytopenia. DISCUSSION: Regional and systemic metastases of pleomorphic adenomas are exceptional. The local recurrence is characteristic of metastatic forms of pleomorphic adenomas; it occurs in 90% of the cases. No clinical or histological criterion allows distinguishing between recurrent metastatic forms and non-recurrent metastatic pleomorphic adenomas. The metastatic mechanism is not clearly elucidated yet. The best treatment for metastases of a pleomorphic adenoma is surgical excision. The recurrence after a complete surgical excision is rare and the prognosis excellent.     

Differential diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma by immunohistochemical means.

Immunohistochemical study of major salivary gland tumours was performed on 60 pleomorphic adenomas, five basal cell adenomas and 10 adenoid cystic carcinomas to determine the diagnostic value of each antigen. Immunoreactivity examined were intermediate filaments (keratin, vimentin, desmin and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]) and related substances (actin, S-100 protein and secretory component). In pleomorphic adenomas, there was positive immunoreactivity for GFAP which was not observed in normal tissue or other neoplastic tissues. Immunoreactivity of GFAP was closely related to myxomatous and early chondromatous differentiation in pleomorphic adenoma. It is considered that GFAP immunoreactivity should be assessed in the occasional differential diagnostic dilemma of pleomorphic adenoma versus adenoid cystic carcinoma and basal cell adenoma, because of its ability to show potential and definite myxochondromatous differentiation.     

Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland: a prospective histopathological and immunohistochemical study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Histopathological characteristics and proliferation indices of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma were described in a series of 31 patients who were referred to the authors' clinic for revision surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective series of 31 patients. METHODS: Serial sections of surgical specimen using the whole-organ sectioning technique were carried out for light microscopic examination after total parotidectomy and periparotid fat resection. The nodules were examined with special reference to localization, amount, size, histological subtypes, capsular alterations, and the amount of nodule spilling. Expression of proliferation markers (Ki67/MIB-1) according to the size and histological subtypes of the nodules was also investigated. RESULTS: Most recurrences were multinodular, and the number of nodules was much higher than expected, ranging from 1 to 157. The myxoid subtype was predominant. Eighty percent of the patients exhibited widely distributed nodules also lying outside the scar. These nodules contained only a thin pseudocapsule and often lacked complete encapsulation. The majority of multinodular recurrences of parotid pleomorphic adenoma consisted of small nodules (less than 1 mm in diameter). Smaller nodules showed similar or higher levels of proliferative activity than larger nodules. CONCLUSION: The extended multifocal distribution of tumor recurrences after insufficient resection of pleomorphic adenoma (most often after enucleation) can explain a high incidence of further recurrences. Therefore, a total parotidectomy including removal of surrounding fat tissue seems to be appropriate for the initial treatment of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma.     

Parotid gland myoepitheliomas. Differential diagnosis with pleomorphic adenoma

Myoepitheliomas are rare benign tumours of head and neck. The parotid gland is the most common site of origin. It consists on proliferation of myoepithelial cells and it shows some features similar to preomorphic adenoma although the ductal elements are very low. Diagnosis requires histology and immunohistochemistry because fine needle aspiration often shows erroneous results. Limited parotidectomy is the choice treatment. We report two cases of parotid gland myoepithelioma confirmed by immunohistochemistry.     

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland: an immunohistochemical study

The proliferative activity of the tumor cells and the expression of tumor-associated genes and sex steroid hormone receptors were investigated immunohistochemically in ten cases of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca-ex-PA) of the salivary glands. These were analyzed in benign and malignant components separately, and then were compared with ten cases of the other malignant tumors [adenocarcinomas, not otherwise specified (ACN) and salivary duct carcinomas (SDC)] and ten cases of pleomorphic adenomas (PA). The results obtained in this study were as follows: (1) malignant component of Ca-ex-PA showed a higher incidence of PCNA and Ki67 than benign component of Ca-ex-PA. A significant difference between benign component of Ca-ex-PA and PA was not observed. (2) A significant difference in the incidence of p53, c-erbB-2, EGFR overexpression was observed only between malignant component of Ca-ex-PA and benign component of Ca-ex-PA. (3) The incidence of PCNA, Ki67, p53, c-erbB-2 overexpression in malignant component of Ca-ex-PA showed the highest data among the four groups. These results suggest that Ca-ex-PA acquired the particular biological behavior in contrast to the other salivary neoplasms in the long-standing process while PA undergoes malignant transformation.     

Immunohistochemical study of pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum.

A rare case of pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum is reported. A 48-year-old man complaining of nasal obstruction and nasal bleeding was referred to our hospital for treatment of a left nasal tumor. The tumor, including the nasal septum, was resected by the modified Denker operation and lateral rhinotomy. The tumor was firm, parenchymatous, pedunculated, and 24 x 22 x 14 mm in size. Pathological examination revealed pleomorphic adenoma with slight cellular atypism. Immunohistochemical observations suggested that characterization of this tumor might be similar to pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.     

Bilateral pleomorphic adenoma of the anterior tongue: a case report

We report a case of bilateral pleomorphic adenoma of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue in a 38-year-old man. Both tumors were excised via a transoral route. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a bilateral pleomorphic adenoma of the anterior tongue.     

Carcinoma arising in a pleomorphic adenoma of the epiglottis

Despite the abundance of minor salivary glands within the larynx, pleomorphic adenomas are rarely found. It is therefore not surprising that there are few reports of malignant mixed tumours in this site. We describe a case of carcinoma arising in a pleomorphic adenoma of the epiglottis which, to our knowledge, has not been described previously. The patient underwent a horizontal partial laryngectomy and functional neck dissection and is well one year postoperatively. We feel this represents a suitable approach to treatment for this rare tumour.     

Nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma in the adult

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland tumors account for less than 5% of all neoplasms in the head and neck, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common type. These typically arise in the palate, but we report a rare case of nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma in an adult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a case report and literature review. RESULTS: The patient presented with unilateral otalgia, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Nasal endoscopy revealed a pedunculated mass adjacent to the left torus tubarius and he was treated with an excisional biopsy. Histologic evaluation demonstrated pleomorphic adenoma. DISCUSSION: Pleomorphic adenomas seldom present as nasopharyngeal masses and have a nonspecific appearance on endoscopy. Microscopic examination has characteristic features to aid in an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is surgical and recurrence is unlikely.     

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the sublingual gland: a case report

We report a case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of a sublingual gland in a 70-year-old man.Under a clinical diagnosis of benign salivary gland tumor,excision of the mass with the sublingual salivary gland in an en bloc fashion via an intraoral approach was performed.Histopathologically,there was a rupture of the fibrous capsule and diffuse cell-rich sheets composed of myoepithelial cells with round nuclei were also seen.Immunohistochemically,the cells that composed of cell rich sheets were positive to smooth muscle actin.Final diagnosis of myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was made.     

Familial occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common neoplasm found in the parotid gland. The familial occurrence of any salivary gland neoplasm is rare. There are 8 previous reports in the literature of familial occurrence of salivary gland tumors. Two of these report the occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in siblings; all 4 patients were adults. We report here an 11-year-old male who presented with a left parotid mass and underwent parotidectomy. The mass proved to be a pleomorphic adenoma. His sister presented 9 years later at the age of 15 years with a similar mass also in the left parotid area. She underwent superficial parotidectomy which revealed the mass to be a pleomorphic adenoma. We believe these are the youngest siblings reported to date in which familial pleomorphic adenoma has occurred.     

Minimally invasive surgery for parotid pleomorphic adenoma

Compared with total parotidectomy and complete superficial parotidectomy for the removal of a parotid pleomorphic adenoma, partial superficial parotidectomy with dissection and preservation of the facial nerve--defined as the excision of a tumor with a 2-cm margin of normal parotid parenchyma except at the point where the tumor abuts the facial nerve--is associated with a lower incidence of transient facial nerve dysfunction, facial contour disfigurement, and subsequent Frey's syndrome. The partial procedure is not associated with any increase in recurrence, and it requires less operating time. The author hypothesized that the use of this procedure to remove a benign pleomorphic adenoma might result in even less morbidity (transient or permanent facial nerve dysfunction, facial contour disfigurement, Frey's syndrome, and hypoesthesia) without increasing the risk of recurrence if only a 1-cm margin of normal parotid parenchyma was removed and if the posterior branches of the great auricular nerve were preserved To test this hypothesis, the author conducted a retrospective study of 30 patients--15 who had undergone the standard partial procedure (2-cm margin with great auricular nerve sacrifice) and 15 who had undergone the modified version (1-cm margin with great auricular nerve preservation). After a mean follow-up of 10 years, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of facial nerve dysfunction, facial contour disfigurement, Frey's syndrome, and recurrence. Moreover, preservation of the posterior branches of the great auricular nerve did not prevent alterations in sensitivity (i.e., hypoesthesia) in 7 of the 15 patients (46.7%). Although a 1-cm area of normal parotid parenchyma around a benign pleomorphic adenoma was a safe margin, it was no better than a 2-cm margin in terms ofmorbidity and recurrence. Preservation of the posterior branches of the great auricular nerve will result in an objective reduction in hypoesthesia in approximately half of patients, but because it does not ensure freedom from sensitivity alterations in all cases, patients should be advised of the risk of postoperative numbness in the earlobe and the infraauricular area.     

Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

This is a retrospective analysis of 35 patients treated for a first recurrence of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland from 1982 to 1997. All patients were treated surgically; no patient received radiotherapy for benign disease. We experienced a locoregional control rate of 77%. Our malignant transformation rate was 5.7%. Our results suggest that in carefully selected patients, local excision of recurrent disease is sufficient in controlling further recurrence.     

Giant pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

Pleomorphic adenomas are the most common benign tumors of the salivary glands. These adenomas generally present without pain and are slowly enlarged. However, they can reach enormous sizes, because they are often neglected by the patient and due to late diagnosis and intervention because of fear of surgery or sociocultural factors. This may lead to functional, aesthetic and social problems. In this article, we present a 55-year-old female patient with a giant pleomorphic adenoma in size of 15x15x20 cm, who presented with the complaint of a mass enlarged and swollen for 20 years in her left neck and face and underwent a successful surgery.     

Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor of glandular tissue occurring in the head and neck region. There have been several reports of metastasis of this benign-appearing tumor from the salivary glands to distant sites, suggesting hematogenous spread and implantation. Although occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma on the nasal septum has been described, to our knowledge this is the first reported case of recurrent septal pleomorphic adenoma with histologically benign tissue in an enlarged metastatic ipsilateral submandibular lymph node, suggesting lymphatic spread. The literature concerning the subject is reviewed. Wide septal excision and modified neck dissection is the recommended treatment.     

鼻腔多形性腺瘤恶性变一例

患者男，69岁。以右侧鼻塞5年，鼻旁隆起及鼻外肿块7个月于2006年2月23日入院。患者5年前因右侧鼻塞就诊于当地医院，表面麻醉下经前鼻孔行鼻腔肿物摘除，病理报告为鼻腔混合瘤。术后鼻腔通气较好，未曾复诊。半年前开始出现渐进性鼻塞及少量涕中带血，右侧鼻前孔有肿物突出伴右侧鼻背隆起畸形。4个月前在当地医院CT检查示右鼻腔前部有光滑肿物，骨质完整，未行治疗。近1个月来，