Pleomorphic adenoma | |
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Other names | Benign mixed tumor[1] |
Cytopathology of pleomorphic adenoma (Pap stain). It can usually be diagnosed by its typical fibrillary stroma (mesenchyme). Stromal cell nuclei are small. Myoepithelial cells are usually the predominant cell type, and their nuclei can have various shapes but are usually more elongated than in epithelial cells. Epithelial cell nuclei may have prominent nucleoli.[2] | |
Specialty | Oncology |
Pleomorphic adenoma (or benign mixed tumor) is a common benign salivary gland neoplasm characterised by neoplastic proliferation of epithelial (ductal) cells along with myoepithelial components, having a malignant potentiality. It is the most common type of salivary gland tumor and the most common tumor of the parotid gland. It derives its name from the architectural Pleomorphism (variable appearance) seen by light microscopy. It is also known as "Mixed tumor, salivary gland type", which refers to its dual origin from epithelial and myoepithelial elements as opposed to its pleomorphic appearance.