Pleomorphic adenoma: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is a commonly occurring benign tumor originating in the salivary glands. Objective: The aim was to carry out a systematic literature of reports on pleomorphic adenoma from 2000 to 2018 to determine patient’s age spread, gender, anatomical location, capsular invasion, histopathology, treatment and patient outcome. Materials and methods: A PubMed search was conducted with the following key words: adenoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and mixed salivary tumor. Results: Twenty-two articles in English were read in full after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The mean age of PA occurrence was 44.14 years with a definite female predilection (M:F ratio = 13:8). It most commonly occurred in the facial region (42.85%), and surgical approach is the preferred intervention. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland neoplasms that can grow into extensive sizes if left untreated and hence need to be diagnosed early. Complete excision of the tumor is the definitive treatment, as enucleation can result in recurrence. Facial nerve has to be preserved if PA occurs in the parotid gland.