Pleomorphic adenoma of the palate

Pleomorphic adenoma, is the most common tumor (50%) of the major and minor salivary glands. Seventy percent of the tumors of the minor salivary glands are pleomorphic adenomas, and the most common intraoral site is the palate, followed by the upper lip and buccal mucosa. Pleomorphic adenoma appears as a painless firm mass and, in most cases, does not cause ulceration of the overlying mucosa. Generally it is mobile, except when it occurs in the hard palate. Intraoral mixed tumors, especially those noted within the palate, lack a well-defined capsule. Lesions of the palate frequently involve periosteum or bone. Approximately 25% of benign mixed tumors undergo malignant transformation. Treatment for the pleomorphic adenoma is radical surgery. Inadequate resection leads to local recurrence. The authors report a palate pleomorphic adenoma in a 67-year-old female patient.