A Case of Giant Pleomorphic Adenoma Arising in the Deep Lobe of the Parotid Gland

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1998;14(1):103-106.
Published online May 30, 1998.

Jong Ho Yoon;Hang Seok Chang;Woung Youn Chung;Cheong Soo Park

이하선 심부엽에 발생한 거대 혼합종(Giant Pleomorphic Adenoma) 1예

윤종호;장항석;정웅윤;박정수

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor in the parotid gland and a parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve is a widely accepted treatment. With the advanced imaging methods such as CT scan or MRI and the developed surgical technique, the incidence of complications in parotid surgery declined considerably. However, when the tumor forms a huge mass after a prolonged period, surgeons tend to hesitate surgical treatment regarding the possibility of facial nerve injury and incomplete resection due to a malignant transformation of the tumor. And this is more likely when the huge tumor arised in the deep lobe of the parotid gland. We present a case of 39-year old man with a giant pleomorphic adenoma arising in the deep lobe of the parotid gland who was treated successfully by total parotidectomy without any complications. The size and weight of the tumor were 20x15x15cm and 1,100gm, respectively. In our experience, because pleomorphic adenoma is well encapsulated and not invasive to the adjacent tissue, even a giant pleomorphic adenoma arising in the deep lobe of the parotid gland can be treated by careful surgical resection with the preservation of the facial nerve.

Key Words: Giant pleomorphic adenoma, Parotid gland