Nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma in the adult.

Abstract

Salivary gland tumors account for less than 5% of all neoplasms in the head and neck, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common type. These typically arise in the palate, but we report a rare case of nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma in an adult. The authors conducted a case report and literature review. The patient presented with unilateral otalgia, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Nasal endoscopy revealed a pedunculated mass adjacent to the left torus tubarius and he was treated with an excisional biopsy. Histologic evaluation demonstrated pleomorphic adenoma. Pleomorphic adenomas seldom present as nasopharyngeal masses and have a nonspecific appearance on endoscopy. Microscopic examination has characteristic features to aid in an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is surgical and recurrence is unlikely.