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- Title
Symptoms Resembling Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Caused by a Pleomorphic Adenoma.
- Authors
Marchese, Nadia; Witterick, Ian; Freeman, Bruce V.
- Abstract
Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign neoplasm of the salivary glands. It is the most common type of salivary gland tumour and the tumour most commonly found in the parotid gland. Clinical diagnosis of a parotid gland neoplasm can be difficult, particularly when the lesion is located deep within the gland. Although usually asymptomatic, pleomorphic adenoma may exhibit symptoms mimicking those of conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder. This case report highlights the difficulties of diagnosing this type of tumour and the importance of communication between physicians and dentists to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm, frequently arising within the parotid gland.¹ Pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumour) is composed of both epithelial and myoepithelial cells within a mesenchymal-like stroma.² This tumour usually affects middle-aged adults and occurs in women slightly more often than in men.³ The lesion occurs most often in the parotid gland but may also arise in the submandibular, sublingual and minor salivary glands.4 Pleomorphic adenoma typically presents as a slow-growing, painless, firm mass and is only occasionally associated with facial palsy or pain.¹ The superficial lower pole of the parotid gland is the most frequent site of occurrence, but 10% of all parotid tumours are located in the deep lobe of the gland.5 Tumours of the parotid gland may physically impede mandibular movement and may cause muscular paralysis or alter the sensations controlled by cranial nerves 5 and 7.6 The diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma is ultimately made by histopathologic examination, whereas tumour size, location and extent are determined by advanced imaging. Surgical removal is the best course of treatment, given the tendency of these tumours to recur.¹ Although they are benign by nature, a small percentage of cases are associated with malignant transformation.² The case report presented here describes pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in a patient who exhibited symptoms suggestive of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
- Subjects
ADENOMA; SYMPTOMS; TEMPOROMANDIBULAR disorders; PLEOMORPHIC fungi; SALIVARY gland tumors; CLINICAL medicine; THERAPEUTICS
- Publication
Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 2013, Vol 79, Issue 2, p1
- ISSN
0709-8936
- Publication type
Article