"The correlation between histopathological pattern and surgical treatment for palatal pleomorphic adenoma. Can we choose a more conservative approach?"

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most prevalent benign salivary gland tumor. Although rare, among the minor salivary glands, palatal PA exhibits the highest incidence. Unlike other benign tumors, PA infiltrates the surrounding tissues, posing challenges for complete removal through conservative measures. Surgeons often resort to aggressive surgical procedures involving resection of adjacent tissue to ensure clear margins and prevent recurrence. This study aims to analyze diverse histological characteristics of palatal PA, seeking statistical correlations for early prediction of tumor aggressiveness. The goal is to facilitate the preservation of the periosteum during surgical resection and attain conservative surgical margins. A retrospective histopathological investigation encompassed 18 patients diagnosed with palatal PA who underwent surgical treatment at Hadassah Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel. Evaluated parameters included tumor size, pseudocapsule thickness, tumor-periosteum distance, and the presence of pseudopodia and satellite nodules indicating tumor penetration. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Tumors of varying sizes, whether large or small, lack consistent features. Neither tumor size, pseudocapsule thickness, nor tumor-periosteum distance displayed correlations with tumor penetration features. Palatal PA exhibits varied histological attributes impacting surgical technique. The absence of correlations among these attributes impedes early prediction of tumor aggressiveness, casting doubt on periosteum preservation. The periosteum is sufficiently robust to contain the tumor and should be excised. There is no data to support either ostectomy or a through-and-through surgical resection as part of the treatment.