Pleomorphic adenoma of the whole parotid gland: a rare clinical finding

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor arising from the parotid salivary gland. In most instances, it involves the superficial part of the gland rarely affecting the deep part, which often presents as a swelling on the lateral pharyngeal wall. The neoplastic process involving the superficial and the deep part of the same gland is extremely unusual. We had a patient who presented to our clinic with a recurrent swelling of his left parotid gland with a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. On a computed tomographic scan, it was found to involve both the superficial and deep parts of the gland. The gland was excised completely, preserving the facial nerve and all its branches. A histopathologic study of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis and extent of the disease.