Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Palate: A Case Report

Background: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary-gland neoplasm and frequently affects the minor salivary glands of the palate. Although surgical excision is generally curative, incomplete encapsulation, pseudopod-like extensions, and microscopic tumor deposits may contribute to recurrence, which can occur many years after initial treatment. Recurrent palatal pleomorphic adenoma is uncommon and may present diagnostic and reconstructive challenges. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old man was referred with a painless, slowly enlarging recurrent mass of the right posterior hard palate, six years after excision of a pleomorphic adenoma at another institution. Magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a well-defined enhancing palatal lesion measuring approximately 2.1 × 1.9 × 1.9 cm on MRI and 1.8 × 2.2 × 1.9 on CT, without adjacent maxillary bone destruction or cervical lymphadenopathy. An incisional biopsy was consistent with pleomorphic adenoma. Wide local excision was performed, including the tumor, surrounding palatal soft tissue, and underlying periosteum. The resulting defect was reconstructed using a facial artery musculomucosal flap. The postoperative course was uneventful, with satisfactory flap healing and preservation of speech and swallowing. At six months of follow-up, there was no clinical evidence of recurrence or functional impairment. Conclusions: Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the palate may develop several years after primary treatment. Complete surgical excision with tumor-free margins and appropriate reconstruction is essential. Long-term clinical follow-up is recommended because late recurrence and, rarely, malignant transformation may occur.