A Case Report of Large Pleomorphic Adenoma in the Submandibular Gland

Abstract

A case of 57-year-old male with a large painless tumor of the submandibular gland, occupying at the right submandibular region and neck, is presented. A malignant tumor was suspected by the medical history, C. T., X-ray, R. I. with ⁶⁷Ga scintigram, and echogram. The tumor was removed surgically. The tumor size was 15×11×10cm, and it weighed 540g. The tumor was covered with a thin capsule, the inside of the tumor was partially cystic and contained yellowish transparent fluid. Histopathological examination revealed a malignant pleomorphic adenoma. Pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck region is often seen in the parotid and palate glands, but the tumor in the submandibular gland is relatively rare. The authors discussed an additional 13 cases of pleomorphic adenoma in the submandibular gland treated surgically in our deparment in the past 5 years. In Japan, malignant pleomorphic adenoma in the submandibular gland, including low grade malignancy, appears to be more common than in other countries.