Pleomorphic adenoma

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Pleomorphic adenoma
Other namesBenign mixed tumor [1]
Cytopathology of pleomorphic adenoma.png
Cytopathology of pleomorphic adenoma (Pap stain). It can usually be diagnosed by its typical fibrillary stroma (mesenchyme). Stromal cell nuclei are small. Myoepithelial cells are usually the predominant cell type, and their nuclei can have various shapes but are usually more elongated than in epithelial cells. Epithelial cell nuclei may have prominent nucleoli. [2]
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Pleomorphic adenoma (or benign mixed tumor) is a common benign salivary gland neoplasm characterised by neoplastic proliferation of epithelial (ductal) cells along with myoepithelial components, having a malignant potentiality. It is the most common type of salivary gland tumor and the most common tumor of the parotid gland. It derives its name from the architectural Pleomorphism (variable appearance) seen by light microscopy. It is also known as "Mixed tumor, salivary gland type", which refers to its dual origin from epithelial and myoepithelial elements as opposed to its pleomorphic appearance.

Contents

Clinical presentation

The tumor is usually solitary and presents as a slow growing, painless, firm single nodular mass. Isolated nodules are generally outgrowths of the main nodule rather than a multinodular presentation. It is usually mobile unless found in the palate and can cause atrophy of the mandibular ramus when located in the parotid gland. When found in the parotid tail, it may present as an eversion of the ear lobe. Though it is classified as a benign tumor, pleomorphic adenomas have the capacity to grow to large proportions and may undergo malignant transformation, to form carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, a risk that increases with time (9.5% chance to convert into malignancy in 15 years). Although it is "benign", the tumor is aneuploid, it can recur after resection, it invades normal adjacent tissue, and distant metastases have been reported after long (+10 years) time intervals. This tumour most often presents in the lower pole of the superficial lobe of the gland, about 10% of the tumours arise in the deeper portions of the gland. It occurs more frequently in females than in males, the ratio approximating 6:4. The majority of the lesion are found in patients in the fourth to sixth decades with an average age of occurrences of about 43 years, but these are relatively common in young adults and have been known to occur in children.

Histology

Sialadenectomy specimen showing a well outlined solid neoplasm with cartilaginous areas. Pleomorphic adenoma.jpg
Sialadenectomy specimen showing a well outlined solid neoplasm with cartilaginous areas.
Histopathology of pleomorphic adenoma (H&E stain). The stromal (also called mesenchymal) component often exhibits myxofibrous appearance and in some instances shows chondromatous differentiation. Histopathology of pleomorphic adenoma.png
Histopathology of pleomorphic adenoma (H&E stain). The stromal (also called mesenchymal) component often exhibits myxofibrous appearance and in some instances shows chondromatous differentiation.

Morphological diversity is the most characteristic feature of this neoplasm. Histologically, it is highly variable in appearance, even within individual tumors. Classically it is biphasic and is characterized by an admixture of polygonal epithelial and spindle-shaped myoepithelial elements in a variable background stroma that may be mucoid, myxoid, cartilaginous or hyaline. Epithelial elements may be arranged in duct-like structures, sheets, clumps and/or interlacing strands and consist of polygonal, spindle or stellate-shaped cells (hence pleiomorphism). Areas of squamous metaplasia and epithelial pearls may be present. The tumor is not enveloped, but it is surrounded by a fibrous pseudocapsule of varying thickness. The tumor extends through normal glandular parenchyma in the form of finger-like pseudopodia, but this is not a sign of malignant transformation.

The tumor often displays characteristic chromosomal translocations between chromosomes #3 and #8. This causes the PLAG gene to be juxtaposed to the gene for beta catenin. This activates the catenin pathway and leads to inappropriate cell division.

Diagnosis

Pleomorphic adenoma in ultrasound Pleomorphicadenoma.jpg
Pleomorphic adenoma in ultrasound

The diagnosis of salivary gland tumors utilize both tissue sampling and radiographic studies. Tissue sampling procedures include fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (bigger needle comparing to FNA). Both of these procedures can be done in an outpatient setting. Diagnostic imaging techniques for salivary gland tumors include ultrasound, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA), operated in experienced hands, can determine whether the tumor is malignant in nature with sensitivity around 90%. [3] [4] FNA can also distinguish primary salivary tumor from metastatic disease.

Core needle biopsy can also be done in outpatient setting. It is more invasive but is more accurate compared to FNA with diagnostic accuracy greater than 97%. [5] Furthermore, core needle biopsy allows more accurate histological typing of the tumor.

In terms of imaging studies, ultrasound can determine and characterize superficial parotid tumors. Certain types of salivary gland tumors have certain sonographic characteristics on ultrasound. [6] Ultrasound is also frequently used to guide FNA or core needle biopsy.

CT allows direct, bilateral visualization of the salivary gland tumor and provides information about overall dimension and tissue invasion. CT is excellent for demonstrating bony invasion. MRI provides superior soft tissue delineation such as perineural invasion when compared to CT only. [7]

Treatment

Relative incidence of parotid tumors, showing pleomorphic adenoma being a majority of tumors. Relative incidence of parotid tumors.png
Relative incidence of parotid tumors, showing pleomorphic adenoma being a majority of tumors.
Relative incidence of submandibular tumors, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common. Relative incidence of submandibular tumors.png
Relative incidence of submandibular tumors, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common.

Overall, the mainstay of the treatment for salivary gland tumor is surgical resection. [9] Needle biopsy is highly recommended prior to surgery to confirm the diagnosis. More detailed surgical technique and the support for additional adjuvant radiotherapy depends on whether the tumor is malignant or benign.

Surgical treatment of parotid gland tumors is sometimes difficult, partly because of the anatomical relationship of the facial nerve and the parotid lodge, but also through the increased potential for postoperative relapse. [9] [10] [11] Thus, detection of early stages of a tumor of the parotid gland is extremely important in terms of prognosis after surgery. [12]

There have been several approaches for surgery of parotid pleomorphic adenoma in the course of time. Enucleation of the tumor (i.e. intracapsular dissection), a procedure that was common in the early 20th century, is nowadays obsolete due to very high incidence of recurrence. [9] After the time of enucleations, pleomorphic adenomas of parotid gland were recommended to be routinely treated with superficial or total parotidectomy. [13] These procedures combine complete tumor removal and identification of the main trunk of facial nerve during surgery to avoid any lesions to the nerve. However, extensive surgery may cause significant morbidity, such as Frey´s syndrome (excessive sweat while eating) and salivary fistula. [14] [15] Also, aesthetic outcome may be compromised. Therefore, less invasive procedures have been preferred in selected cases during the recent years, and introduction of perioperative neuromonitoring enabled the evolution of several different surgical techniques some twenty years ago. [9] [16]

Currently, the choice of surgical approach for parotid pleomorphic adenoma is mainly based on the size, location, and mobility of the tumor. The recommended main techniques include extracapsular dissection, partial superficial parotidectomy, and lateral or total parotidectomy. Nevertheless, the experience of surgeon plays a key role in the results of these distinct procedures. [9]  An important point of view is that recurrent pleomorphic adenomas may occur after a very long time from primary surgery, on average over 7–10 years but up to 24 years afterwards. [11] [10] Thus, it is of utmost importance to evaluate the ultimate results of these different surgical techniques in the future.

The benign tumors of the submandibular gland is treated by simple excision with preservation of mandibular branch of the facial nerve, the hypoglossal nerve, and the lingual nerve. [17] Other benign tumors of minor salivary glands are treated similarly.

Malignant salivary tumors usually require wide local resection of the primary tumor. However, if complete resection cannot be achieved, adjuvant radiotherapy should be added to improve local control. [18] [19] This surgical treatment has many sequelae such as cranial nerve damage, Frey's syndrome, cosmetic problems, etc.

Usually about 44% of the patients have a complete histologic removal of the tumor and this refers to the most significant survival rate.

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parotid gland</span> Major salivary gland in many animals

The parotid gland is a major salivary gland in many animals. In humans, the two parotid glands are present on either side of the mouth and in front of both ears. They are the largest of the salivary glands. Each parotid is wrapped around the mandibular ramus, and secretes serous saliva through the parotid duct into the mouth, to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches. There are also two other types of salivary glands; they are submandibular and sublingual glands. Sometimes accessory parotid glands are found close to the main parotid glands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adenoma</span> Type of benign tumor

An adenoma is a benign tumor of epithelial tissue with glandular origin, glandular characteristics, or both. Adenomas can grow from many glandular organs, including the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid, prostate, and others. Some adenomas grow from epithelial tissue in nonglandular areas but express glandular tissue structure. Although adenomas are benign, they should be treated as pre-cancerous. Over time adenomas may transform to become malignant, at which point they are called adenocarcinomas. Most adenomas do not transform. However, even though benign, they have the potential to cause serious health complications by compressing other structures and by producing large amounts of hormones in an unregulated, non-feedback-dependent manner. Some adenomas are too small to be seen macroscopically but can still cause clinical symptoms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adenoid cystic carcinoma</span> Medical condition

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that can exist in many different body sites. This tumor most often occurs in the salivary glands, but it can also be found in many anatomic sites, including the breast, lacrimal gland, lung, brain, Bartholin gland, trachea, and the paranasal sinuses.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phyllodes tumor</span> Medical condition

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warthin's tumor</span> Medical condition

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canalicular adenoma</span> Benign salivary gland tumor

Canalicular adenoma is a type of growth that occurs in human salivary glands. It is a benign growth which occurs in the epithelial cells, and is typically arranged in columns of cells that form interconnecting cords. Canalicular adenoma is a very rare benign neoplasm; it constitutes about 1% of all salivary gland tumors and about 4% of all benign salivary gland tumors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma</span> Medical condition

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare, asymptomatic, slow-growing malignant salivary gland tumor. It is most commonly found in the palate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acinic cell carcinoma</span> Medical condition

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salivary gland tumour</span> Medical condition

Salivary gland tumours, also known as mucous gland adenomas or neoplasms, are tumours that form in the tissues of salivary glands. The salivary glands are classified as major or minor. The major salivary glands consist of the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The minor salivary glands consist of 800 to 1000 small mucus-secreting glands located throughout the lining of the oral cavity. Patients with these types of tumours may be asymptomatic.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the lung is a very rare histologic form of malignant epithelial neoplasm ("carcinoma") arising from lung tissue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salivary duct carcinoma</span> Medical condition

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myoepithelioma of the head and neck</span> Medical condition

Myoepithelioma of the head and neck, also myoepithelioma, is a salivary gland tumour of the head and neck that is usually benign. When malignant, which is exceedingly rare, they are known as malignant myoepithelioma or Myoepithelial carcinoma, and they account for 1% of the salivary tumors with poor prognosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma</span> Medical condition

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCa) is a rare malignant tumour that typically arises in a salivary gland and consists of both an epithelial and myoepithelial component. They are predominantly found in the parotid gland and represent approximately 1% of salivary gland tumours.

A sialoblastoma is a low-grade salivary gland neoplasm that recapitulates primitive salivary gland anlage. It has previously been referred to as congenital basal cell adenoma, embryoma, or basaloid adenocarcinoma. It is an extremely rare tumor, with less than 100 cases reported worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ceruminous adenocarcinoma</span> Medical condition

Ceruminous adenocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm derived from ceruminous glands of the external auditory canal. This tumor is rare, with several names used in the past. Synonyms have included cylindroma, ceruminoma, ceruminous adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS), ceruminous adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and ceruminous mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma</span> Medical condition

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is a type of cancer typically found in the parotid gland. It arises from the benign tumour pleomorphic adenoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parotidectomy</span> Surgical removal of the parotid gland

A parotidectomy is the surgical excision (removal) of the parotid gland, the major and largest of the salivary glands. The procedure is most typically performed due to neoplasms (tumors), which are growths of rapidly and abnormally dividing cells. Neoplasms can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The majority of parotid gland tumors are benign, however 20% of parotid tumors are found to be malignant. Parotidectomy is performed mostly by oral and maxillofacial surgeon and ENT surgeon.

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References

  1. ↑ Bin Xu. "Pleomorphic adenoma". Pathology Outlines. Last author update: 30 July 2021. Last staff update: 6 February 2023
  2. 1 2 Image by Mikael Häggström. Reference for description: Bin Xu. "Pleomorphic adenoma". Pathology Outlines. Last author update: 30 July 2021. Last staff update: 6 February 2023
  3. ↑ Cohen EG, Patel SG, Lin O, Boyle JO, Kraus DH, Singh B, et al. (June 2004). "Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland lesions in a selected patient population". Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. 130 (6): 773–778. doi: 10.1001/archotol.130.6.773 . PMID   15210562.
  4. ↑ Batsakis JG, Sneige N, el-Naggar AK (February 1992). "Fine-needle aspiration of salivary glands: its utility and tissue effects". The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. 101 (2 Pt 1): 185–188. doi:10.1177/000348949210100215. PMID   1739267. S2CID   10583105.
  5. ↑ Wan YL, Chan SC, Chen YL, Cheung YC, Lui KW, Wong HF, et al. (October 2004). "Ultrasonography-guided core-needle biopsy of parotid gland masses". AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology. 25 (9): 1608–1612. PMC   7976420 . PMID   15502149.
  6. ↑ Białek EJ, Jakubowski W, Karpińska G (September 2003). "Role of ultrasonography in diagnosis and differentiation of pleomorphic adenomas: work in progress". Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. 129 (9): 929–933. doi: 10.1001/archotol.129.9.929 . PMID   12975263.
  7. ↑ Koyuncu M, Seşen T, Akan H, Ismailoglu AA, Tanyeri Y, Tekat A, et al. (December 2003). "Comparison of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of parotid tumors". Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 129 (6): 726–732. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2003.07.009. PMID   14663442. S2CID   24528326.
  8. 1 2 Steve C Lee. "Salivary Gland Neoplasms". Medscape. Updated: Jan 13, 2021
    Diagrams by Mikael Häggström
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Psychogios G, Bohr C, Constantinidis J, Canis M, Vander Poorten V, Plzak J, et al. (January 2021). "Review of surgical techniques and guide for decision making in the treatment of benign parotid tumors" (PDF). European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 278 (1): 15–29. doi:10.1007/s00405-020-06250-x. PMID   32749609. S2CID   220965351.
  10. 1 2 Schapher M, Koch M, Agaimy A, Goncalves M, Mantsopoulos K, Iro H (September 2019). "Parotid pleomorphic adenomas: Factors influencing surgical techniques, morbidity, and long-term outcome relative to the new ESGS classification in a retrospective study". Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. 47 (9): 1356–1362. doi:10.1016/j.jcms.2019.06.009. PMID   31331850. S2CID   198169972.
  11. 1 2 Silvoniemi A, Pulkkinen J, Grénman R (November 2010). "Parotidectomy in the treatment of pleomorphic adenoma -- analysis of long-term results". Acta Oto-Laryngologica. 130 (11): 1300–1305. doi:10.3109/00016489.2010.488248. PMID   20528201. S2CID   20865807.
  12. ↑ Alexandru Bucur; Octavian Dincă; Tiberiu Niță; Cosmin Totan; Cristian Vlădan (March 2011). "Parotid tumors: our experience". Rev. chir. oro-maxilo-fac. implantol. (in Romanian). 2 (1): 7–9. ISSN   2069-3850. 18. Archived from the original on 2013-01-13. Retrieved 2012-06-06.(webpage has a translation button)
  13. ↑ Patey DH, Thackray AC (March 1958). "The treatment of parotid tumours in the light of a pathological study of parotidectomy material". The British Journal of Surgery. 45 (193): 477–487. doi:10.1002/bjs.18004519314. PMID   13536351. S2CID   24930522.
  14. ↑ Mantsopoulos K, Koch M, Klintworth N, Zenk J, Iro H (January 2015). "Evolution and changing trends in surgery for benign parotid tumors". The Laryngoscope. 125 (1): 122–127. doi:10.1002/lary.24837. PMID   25043324. S2CID   1929744.
  15. ↑ Britt CJ, Stein AP, Gessert T, Pflum Z, Saha S, Hartig GK (February 2017). Eisele DW (ed.). "Factors influencing sialocele or salivary fistula formation postparotidectomy". Head & Neck. 39 (2): 387–391. doi:10.1002/hed.24564. PMID   27550745. S2CID   3758029.
  16. ↑ McGurk M, Thomas BL, Renehan AG (November 2003). "Extracapsular dissection for clinically benign parotid lumps: reduced morbidity without oncological compromise". British Journal of Cancer. 89 (9): 1610–1613. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6601281. PMC   2394403 . PMID   14583757.
  17. ↑ Leonetti JP, Marzo SJ, Petruzzelli GJ, Herr B (September 2005). "Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland". Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 133 (3): 319–322. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2005.04.008. PMID   16143173. S2CID   38480631.
  18. ↑ Ganly I, Patel SG, Coleman M, Ghossein R, Carlson D, Shah JP (July 2006). "Malignant minor salivary gland tumors of the larynx". Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. 132 (7): 767–770. doi: 10.1001/archotol.132.7.767 . PMID   16847187.
  19. ↑ Terhaard CH, Lubsen H, Rasch CR, Levendag PC, Kaanders HH, Tjho-Heslinga RE, et al. (January 2005). "The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of malignant salivary gland tumors". International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. 61 (1): 103–111. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.03.018. PMID   15629600.
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