Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Posterior Surface of the Soft Palate Causing Sleep Disturbance: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor arising in the salivary gland. The signs and symptoms of pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands vary, depending on the anatomical site involved. A rare case of pleomorphic adenoma of the posterior surface of the soft palate is reported that caused sleep disturbance, which was resolved with endoscopic surgical treatment. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old woman experienced snoring and mouth-breathing during sleep. Flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy imaging of the oropharyngeal passage showed obstruction by a tumor the soft palate, which obstructed the oropharyngeal passage. The tumor was excised using endoscopic-assisted transoral surgery and measure 3×2 cm in diameter. Histopathology showed a benign pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary gland. Following surgical excision of the tumor, the patient's sleep improved. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first case of a pleomorphic adenoma of the posterior surface of the soft palate, causing sleep disturbance, removed by endoscopic-assisted transoral surgery following pre-operative flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy imaging of the oropharyngeal passage.