Pleomorphic adenoma in tonsil

Abstract

Salivary tumors that involve the tonsil are rare, representing 0.5% of salivary neoplasms. Most tumors arise from the parotid glands. Rare studies have been reported in the literature regarding pleomorphic adenomas affecting the tonsil. Patients are usually asymptomatic and present with a slow-growing, mobile and painless mass. Radiological examinations are usually unable to differentiate benign from malignant tumors in most cases. There is low recurrence with complete excision of the tumor. The prognosis is excellent except in the rare cases of malignant transformation. This report describes the management of a case of pleomorphic adenoma affecting the palatine tonsils and the difficulty regarding the histopathological diagnosis.