Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of epipharynx following irradiation therapy

We present a case of a 67-year-old female patient having a pleomorphic adenoma of epipharynx with intact fibrous capsula, which despite its benignity recurred and, moreover, responded quite well to irradiation therapy. The patient, at first, refused any therapy. Three years later, when the CT showed...

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Published inCollegium antropologicum Vol. 29; no. 1; p. 185
Main Authors Zamolo, Gordana, Coklo, Miran, Petković, Marija, Batinac, Tanja, Bosnar, Alan, Manestar, Darko, Dekanić, Andrea, Vojniković, Bozidar
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Croatia 01.06.2005
Subjects
Adenoma, Pleomorphic - pathology
Adenoma, Pleomorphic - radiotherapy
Aged
Female
Humans
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - radiotherapy
Salivary Gland Neoplasms - pathology
Salivary Gland Neoplasms - radiotherapy
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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Summary:We present a case of a 67-year-old female patient having a pleomorphic adenoma of epipharynx with intact fibrous capsula, which despite its benignity recurred and, moreover, responded quite well to irradiation therapy. The patient, at first, refused any therapy. Three years later, when the CT showed tumor enlargement she accepted only irradiation therapy, resulting in significant reduction of tumor size. Five years later the tumor recurred but without malignant transformation. She still refused surgery, but accepted re-irradiation therapy. After a three-year follow-up the patient has no symptoms of the tumor enlargement. This case shows that the irradiation therapy might be quite effective in the treatment of pleomorphic adenoma of epipharynx, but it is clear that much better results could be accomplished in combination with the surgery. In cases when the surgery is rejected or not possible because of the vicinity of the vital structures, we recommend the irradiation therapy as a therapy of the choice.
ISSN:0350-6134