A case of initially metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland

Abstract

Metastasis of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is rare and usually presented as a locoregional recurrence developed many years after excision of the primary tumor although the PA is the most common neoplasm in the parotid gland. We described a case of a 48-year-old male with a parotid tumor with multiple enlarged ipsilateral lymph nodes which suggested a malignancy. The tumors had been neither evaluated nor excised and preoperative evaluation revealed benign PA in both lesions. After the complete surgical excision, the final pathology was notable for benign PA with metastasis to regional lymph nodes. At 1 year follow up he was clinically and radiographically free of disease. This implies that pleomorphic adenoma can occur as initially metastasis to regional lymph node even though benign neoplasm.