Is a pleomorphic adenoma a cancer?

Is a pleomorphic adenoma a cancer?

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma develops from a benign mixed tumor (also known as a pleomorphic adenoma). This tumor is found mainly in the major salivary glands. Both the grade of the cancer and how far it has spread (its stage) are important in predicting outcome.

What does pleomorphic adenoma mean?

Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland tumors, which predominantly affect the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The “pleomorphic” nature of the tumor can be explained on the basis of its epithelial and connective tissue origin. The tumor has a female predilection between 30–50 years of age.

Is pleomorphic adenoma serious?

Although it is classified as benign, a pleomorphic adenoma can undergo a malignant transformation, with a tendency to recur. In 5% of cases, in fact, if it is not surgically removed, a pleomorphic adenoma can degenerate into a carcinoma (taking the name of Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma).

Can pleomorphic adenoma turn malignant?

Pleomorphic adenomas harbor a small risk of malignant transformation. The malignant potential is proportional to the time the lesion is in situ (1.5% in the first five years, 9.5% after 15 years). Therefore, excision is warranted in almost all cases.

Can pleomorphic adenoma be cured?

While surgical resection usually cures the individual, there is a risk of recurrence of parotid tumors if the adenoma is not completely removed. If the tumor is poorly encapsulated, the entire parotid gland may be removed in a procedure known as a total parotidectomy.

How fast does pleomorphic adenoma grow?

Conclusions: The median growth rate for enlarging tumors is estimated at 10.2% per year. Due to variability, tumor growth rate should be estimated on an individual patient basis. For slow-growing tumors, physicians may weigh the risk of this slow growth with the morbidity of reoperation.

What is cytologic atypia?

Cytologic atypia is defined by the presence of nuclei that are large, regularly shaped and hyperchromic, at times showing binucleation and dyskeratosis and presenting with absence of a perinuclear halo. Cytologic atypia can also be found in metaplastic cells.

What does no cytologic atypia mean?

“Cytologic” refers to the cells, so “cytologic atypia” would mean that the cells look atypical. “Melanocytic” means pigmented, or containing melanocytes (pigment producing cells). A “NevoMelanocytic Proliferation” would be a growth a pigment producing cells.

What is cytologic dysplasia?

Cytological dysplasia is evident at low magnification and occupies the full thickness of the epithelium. The columnar dysplastic cells have basal hyperchromatic nuclei with pseudostratification, increased mitotic activity and loss of polarity and cytoplasm ranges from eosinophilic to amphophilic.

Can an adenoma become cancerous?

Adenomas are benign (noncancerous) tumors. However, you should treat adenomas as precancerous because they may turn into cancer if left undetected.

What is low grade cytologic atypia?

The cells lining the involved acini show cytologic atypia, which is usually of low grade. This atypia is characterized by the presence of columnar epithelial cells with round to ovoid nuclei that are not regularly oriented perpendicular to the basement membrane, with a slight increase in the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio.