A Clinical Analysis of the Oral Neoplasms in Our Clinic : Pleomorphic Adenoma

The pleomorphic adenoma in the oral cavity is a tumor originating from both major and minor salivary glands. This tumor is the most common neoplasm among all salivary gland tumors and its incidence is the highest concerning the parotid gland in major salivary glands and at the palate in minor salivary glands. A total of 32 cases reported as the pleomorphic adenoma of oral cavity in the Second Department of Oral Surgery, Kyushu Dental College Hospital, during the period from 1978 to 1985, were clinically and histopathologically analysed. The following results were obtained : 1. A series of 32 cases of pleomorphic adenoma were reported. A total of 32 cases had a tumor originating from minor salivary glands. The pleomorphic adenoma in the majority of 32 cases was located on the hard palate. 2. Of the 32 cases, 20 cases (62.5%) were between 30 and 50 years of age (average 49.0 years). As to the incidence by sex, the incidence of pleomorphic adenoma was slightly higher in males. 3. The complaint most commonly reported was a painless neoplasms. The recorded known duration of pleomorphic adenoma showed a range of 3.5 years. 4. The majority of the pleomorphic adenoma were thumb-tip size and elastically soft. Ulceration was apparent in only 7 cases. 5. Histopathologically, in 20 cases (62.5%) of the pleomorphic adenoma, there was cartilaginous tissue, and in 11 cases (34.3%), there was myxomatous tissue. In 10 cases (31.3%), there were sheets of epithelial cells. 6. Treatment was performed mostly by surgical excision of the lesion. In only 3 cases, there was recurrence.