<aside>

Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign, encapsulated salivary gland tumor composed of epithelial and myoepithelial elements in a chondromyxoid stroma.

</aside>

• It is the most common neoplasm of the salivary glands (> 70% cases), particularly the parotid.

Epidemiology

• Most common salivary gland tumor (~60%)
• 85% arise in the parotid gland (usually superficial lobe)
• Also seen in:
  • Submandibular gland
  • Minor salivary glands (especially palate)
• Peak age: 30–60 years
• Female > male (slightly)

Etiopathogenesis

• Exact cause unknown
• Arises from reserve basal cells or ductal/myoepithelial cells
• Shows mixed histology:
  • Epithelial components: ducts and acini
  • Myoepithelial components: spindle or plasmacytoid cells
  • Mesenchymal-like stroma: mucoid, chondroid, or myxoid

Clinical Features

• Painless, slow-growing, mobile mass
• Typically located in the angle of the mandible (superficial parotid lobe)
• Firm and non-tender
• No facial nerve involvement unless very large or recurrent