A case of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the soft palate

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 82 - 85
• Main Authors: KISHIDA, Miwa, UENO, Takaaki, FUKUNAGA, Joji, SAWAKI, Kouichi, TAKAGI, Shin, SUGAHARA, Toshio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2002
• Subjects: immunohistochemistrysoftpalate; polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma; salivary gland tumor
• ISSN: 0021-5163; 2186-1579
• DOI: 10.5794/jjoms.48.82

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a malignant epithelial tumor which exclusively occurs in minor salivary glands. PLGA occurs more frequently in the hard and soft palate than in other locations. It is hard to histologically distinguish PLGA from adenoid cystic carcinoma and pleomorphic adenoma, because there are overlapping histologic features. We describe a case of PLGA in the soft palate of a 65-year-old woman. A clearly demarcated tumor-like swelling measuring 27×24 mm was preoperatively noted. Surgical excision was performed with the patient under general anesthesia. A postoperative diagnosis of PLGA was confirmed histologically and immunohistochemically. The pathological features of PLGA are not fully understood. We also discuss some histopathological aspects of PLGA.