Pleomorphic adenoma with extensive squamous metaplasia and keratin cyst formations in minor salivary gland: a case report

• Published in: Journal of applied oral science Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 182 - 188
• Main Authors: Goulart, Maria Carolina Vaz, Freitas-Faria, Patrícia, Goulart, Gláuter Rodrigues, Oliveira, Adriano Macedo de, Carlos-Bregni, Roman, Soares, Cleverson Teixeira, Lara, Vanessa Soares
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru da Universidade de São Paulo 01.04.2011; Faculdade De Odontologia De Bauru - USP; University of São Paulo
• Subjects: Adenoma, Pleomorphic - pathology; Adult; Case Report; Dentistry; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Diagnosis; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins - biosynthesis; Male; Metaplasia; Pleomorphic adenoma; Salivary gland neoplasms; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - pathology; Salivary Glands, Minor - pathology; Salivary gland neoplasms; Pleomorphic adenoma; Diagnosis
• ISSN: 1678-7757; 1678-7765; 1678-7765; 1678-7757
• DOI: 10.1590/S1678-77572011000200016

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), the most common salivary gland tumor, accounts for 54 to 65% of all salivary gland neoplasias and 80% of the benign salivary gland tumors. It most frequently affects the parotid gland, followed by the submandibular and the minor salivary glands. Microscopically, mucous, sebaceous, oncocytic and squamous metaplasia, sometimes with the formation of keratin pearls, may be present, but the latter rarely results in the formation of extensive keratin-filled cysts lined by squamous epithelium. Extensive squamous metaplasia can be mistaken for malignancy, including mucoepidermoid carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we present an unusual case of PA with extensive squamous metaplasia and keratin cyst formations in a minor salivary gland, and discuss its microscopic features, including the immunohistochemical characteristics, and differential diagnosis of this uncommon presentation.