Polymorphous adenocarcinoma: a review of the literature and presentation of a case in an uncommon anatomical area

Abstract

Background. Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a type of salivary gland tumor that is rare and diverse in morphology. It is typically found in the minor salivary glands, with the palate being the most common location. However, this tumor is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and controversial in nomenclature. Its low-grade behavior may be unpredictable, making it challenging to manage.
Case report. In this paper, we detail a case of PAC that developed in the buccal mucosa, which is a less common anatomical location. We discuss the patient’s clinical presentation, imaging findings, histological examination results, as well as the surgical treatment and follow-up outcomes. We also examine relevant literature related to the topic to provide a comprehensive understanding of this rare case.
Conclusions. Although complete surgical excision is the primary management for PAC, there is no gold standard treatment for it. It is crucial to follow up on patients with PAC in the long term, as recurrences, lymph nodes, and distant metastasis, even rare, may impair the prognosis in certain patients.