Although pleomorphic adenomas most commonly occur in the parotid gland, it may also be encountered in the submandibular, lingual, and minor salivary glands. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor in these glands, even though almost half of the tumors found in the minor salivary glands are malignant.

What is the most common site of pleomorphic adenoma?

Among the major salivary glands, the tail of the superficial lobe of the parotid salivary gland is the most common site of occurrence for pleomorphic adenoma (70-80% of cases), although this lesion can occur in any parotid location.

How do I know if I have pleomorphic adenoma?

Microscopically pleomorphic adenoma has a highly variable appearance, hence the name pleomorphic. It is characterized by mixed proliferation of polygonal epithelial and spindle-shaped myoepithelial cells in a variable stroma matrix of mucoid, myxoid, cartilaginous or hyaline origin.