Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the oral cavity

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a neoplasm arising most commonly within the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. Not recognized as a distinct entity until 1983, PLGA was often misdiagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma or pleomorphic adenoma. PLGA is thought to be the second most common salivary gland tumor after mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Affecting individuals later in life, PLGA often presents as a firm, painless nodule that exhibits a locally aggressive, infiltrative pattern. Because of PLGA's slow growth rate and low rate of metastasis, differentiation from other disease entities is crucial for treatment modalities. The study presented here reviews three cases of PLGA, their treatment and follow-up.