Pleomorphous adenoma is the most frequent tumor in the salivary glands, it is benign and is composed of epithelial cells in a chondroid tissue or in a chondroid or myxomatous matrix. The term “pleomorphic” refers to the wide variety of structures in which it can occur.
Symptoms of benign salivary gland tumors
When located in the parotid gland (under the ear and behind the lower jaw) and they lift and separate the pinna, distending the skin, the tumor can sometimes cause pain due to its compression of the facial nerve.
On the other hand, if it originates in an accessory gland (salivary gland), its growth causes an increase in volume of the area, but rarely causes pain due to nerve compression.
Normally, this tumor makes chewing difficult and, in some cases, the patient claims to have difficulty speaking.
Characteristics of benign salivary gland tumors
Pleomorphous adenoma is usually a single, grayish-white tumor with well-defined boundaries, encapsulated, firm in consistency and usually multilobulated. The external surface is smooth, although in some cases it may be rough.
When the tumor affects the intrabuccal accessory glands, the size usually does not exceed 1 or 2 cm in diameter, although in some cases it can be up to 6 or 7 cm.
The parts of the mouth most affected by this tumor are the lip and palate, since 85% of these tumors are found in the parotid glands, compared to 8% in the submandibular and 7% in minor glands.
Since there are no signs that the tumor is a pleomorphic adenoma or other salivary tumor, it is necessary to go to a dental office to explore it, analyze its composition and diagnose it.