Intra-vascular tumour in pleomorphic adenomas—a report of four cases

Aims : The aim of this study was to report four cases of pleomorphic adenoma which were characterized by intra-vascular tumour. Methods and results : The patients ranged in age from 13–43 years, one was male while three were female. The tumours were situated in the parotid gland, submandibular gland and palate (two cases). The intra-vascular tumour consisted of single, clustered and solid cords of cells within multiple muscular walled blood vessels and capillaries both in the capsule and in the tumour. Immunoperoxidase staining confirmed that the intra-vascular cells were phenotypically identical to those of the tumour. The possibility that the intra-vascular tumour represents artefactual 'spillage' has been considered, however there is some histological evidence suggesting that this phenomenon represents true vascular invasion. Conclusions : The biological significance of intra-vascular tumour in pleomorphic adenomas is unknown. Thus far there has been no correlation with either recurrence or metastases.