Soft Palate Pleomorphic Adenoma of a Minor Salivary Gland: An Unusual Presentation

Abstract

Tumors of salivary glands are less frequent in the head and neck region. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is a benign tumor of major and accessory salivary glands. The soft palate is one of the most frequent sites among accessory salivary glands. This tumor can increase in size and cause oropharyngeal obstruction with a risk of asphyxia, endangering the patient's life. Treatment is based on complete tumor excision and it’s sometimes difficult. Histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis. In this study, we present a case of a large pleomorphic adenoma of the accessory salivary glands located in the soft palate, successfully treated with intraoral excision surgery after an initial tracheostomy.