The accessory parotid gland is a solitary salivary gland separate from the main parotid gland. Although it is recognized in 21-56% of individuals, the incidence of accessory parotid tumor is relatively rare. We report a 57-year-old male with pleomorphic adenoma arising from an accessory parotid gland. The patient had suffered from a gradually growing mass with no pain in his right cheek for six years. CT scans showed a well-circumscribed, 24×19-mm solid tumor lying on the masseter muscle. Fine needle aspiration revealed a cytological finding of pleomorphic adenoma. Considering the clinical course, radiological and cytological findings, pleomorphic adenoma of the accessory parotid gland was highly suspected. At surgery, a standard incision for parotid tumor was made and extended superiorly. Buccal branches of the facial nerve were detected at the anterior edge of the parotid gland. Total removal of the tumor with excision of the accessory parotid gland was performed. The pathological diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma. Slight paresis of buccal branches resolved two months after surgery. No recurrence has occurred during 20-month follow-up. We recommend a standard parotidectomy approach that is safe and has cosmetic benefits for the surgical management of neoplasms arising from accessory parotid gland tissue.
