Pleomorphic adenoma: case report

Abstract

Objective: To report a clinical case of pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary gland located at the junction between the hard and soft palates, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Case report: An 81-year-old female patient, with a pale complexion, came to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service of the University Hospital of Sergipe (HU-UFS) for surgical treatment of a pleomorphic adenoma lesion under general anesthesia, due to the posterior location of the lesion and the risk of bleeding from the greater palatine artery. She was referred by a Dental Specialties Center (CEO) in the State of Sergipe with a complaint of a “lesion on the roof of the mouth”, reporting 10 years of evolution and no increase in volume during this period, and with an incisional biopsy result showing pleomorphic adenoma. During intraoral examination, a nodule was observed in the transition region between the hard and soft palates on the left side, measuring approximately 2 centimeters in its largest diameter, with a fibrous consistency, smooth surface, similar in color to the mucosa and slightly reddish, sessile and painless. The proposed treatment was excision of the lesion in a surgical center under general anesthesia, with careful removal so as not to rupture its capsule. After 10 days, the sutures were removed and the surgical wound was in the process of healing, with no inflammatory signs or pain complaints. Outpatient follow-up was performed for 1 year and 8 months, with complete healing and no local recurrence. Conclusion: Care in the management of pleomorphic adenoma is essential, because if neglected, it can reach larger proportions, in addition to the possibility of recurrence and, in rare cases, risk of malignant transformation.