Abstract
Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is a malignant tumour originating from the epithelial components of a primary or recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The minor salivary gland of the palate is not a common site of occurrence of this tumour. Approximately 6% of PAs have the potential to transform into CXPA. It is typically a high-grade tumour, and disease-related death is often observed due to distant metastases. A 52-year-old man presented with a seven-year history of a painless palatal mass which started insidiously and progressively increased in size over the years. There was no history of trauma, toothache, and no history of swelling in other body parts. His medical history was not significant for any disease, and there was no history of irradiation or surgery. Examination of the oral cavity revealed a non-ulcerated palatal swelling, measuring 10 × 8 × 5 cm, non-tender, firm, not freely mobile, and adherent to the underlying structures. An ovoid tan brown firm tissue was received which measured 9 × 7 × 5 cm and weighed 140 g. Transections show yellow-white homogeneous to nodular areas. Microscopy showed the co-existence of a PA with an area of transition to a carcinoma. Pathological assessment is the gold standard for making a diagnosis, and the main histopathological finding in CXPA is the co-existence of the benign characteristics of PA with malignant changes in the epithelial components of the tumour.