An unusual exophytic pleomorphic adenoma on the upper lip skin without mucosa involvement: a case report

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor that can occur in the salivary glands, most commonly in the parotid gland. While it primarily occurs in the major salivary glands, it can sometimes be found in the minor salivary glands. Within the minor salivary glands, it most often originates in the hard palate and soft palate, and less frequently in the upper lips. Due to its location in the minor salivary glands, most pleomorphic adenoma involve and protrude on the mucosa. A 61-year-old man presented with 1.5 cm exophytic mass on the skin of his upper lip. This mass was exophytic on the skin and did not involve or protrude into the inner lip mucosa. The mass was entirely excised, and a subsequent permanent biopsy diagnosed it as a pleomorphic adenoma. In such situations, it can be challenging to suspect pleomorphic adenoma during a physical examination, leading to potential diagnostic confusion. It might also be mistaken for an inclusion cyst or another type of mass, making it tempting to treat without verifying the pathological results.