Surgical resection of pleomorphic adenoma

OBJECTIVE: The Pleomorphic Adenoma is the most common among benign neoplasm derived from salivary glands and it might suggest malignancy when there is some sort of fast growth, pain, facial nerve involvement and cervical adenopathy. Its onset occurs between 40 and 60 years old and prevails on the female gender. Salivary glands tumor diagnosis depends on a precise pathological diagnosis as well as non-invasive examinations, which include ultrasonography, sialography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The most recommended surgical treatment is the complete lesion excision, indispensable to avoid possible recurrence. Depending on the lesion situs, size, depth, and volume, the surgical technique choice for the pleomorphic adenoma may vary. The adenoma keeps developing if it is not completely removed. CASE DESCRIPTION: The present paper aims to describe a clinical case of a female melanodermic patient, aged 29 years old, who attended the MaxilloFacial Surgery and Traumatology Service of Federal University of Pernambuco complaining of an increased volume in the left submandibular region. The clinical examination revealed a well-delimited lesion in the left parotid area, presenting with a firm and painless consistency. The required ultrasonography image confirmed the initial diagnosis and the patient was referred to the surgical facility in order to undertake tumor resection with partial parotidectomy under general anesthesia.CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor with diverse characteristics and surgical technique choice depends on the lesion depth, as well as its extension and relation with the facial nerve.