Ectopic Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Neck: Our Experience and Literature Review

To describe and elaborate in detail about the patients presenting with ectopic pleomorphic adenoma of the neck along with medical literature insights. Ectopic salivary gland tumors of the neck are rare entity which makes their diagnosis a challenging issue for the primary treating surgeon. This particular histological variant pleomorphic adenoma in itself is very rare and sometimes confused with thyroglossal, branchial cyst or primary of unknown origin which can lead to unnecessary and faulty treatment. The study included patients presenting with ectopic salivary gland tumors of the neck to the department of Oral Maxillofacial, Head and Neck surgery between December 2021 to May 2023. Amongst these patients, we have scrutinised even further for the patients who were diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma. Patients were thoroughly examined clinically and systematic protocol was followed to rule out other causes followed by which patients were taken up for surgical extirpation of the tumor in toto. A total of 15 such patients reported to the OPD out of which 3 patients were diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma. Patients were kept on strict regular follow-up fo 2 years to exclude any locoregional recurrence. None of the patients presented with any form of recurrence. The diagnostic algorithm we followed in our institution for these cases gave us accurate diagnosis even in cases previously misdiagnosed. Diagnostic ladder used in our study pool provides a detailed insight about these tumors as they are more of diagnosis of exclusion rather than primary diagnosis.