An Unusual Intranasal Mass: Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Nasal Septum.

ABSTRACT

Pleomorphic adenomas are the most common salivary glands tumors that occur predominantly in major salivary glands with highest incidence in the parotid gland. Rarely, they may also be seen arising from the minor salivary glands present in the upper aerodigestive tract. Though they can occur at any age, the peak incidence is in 3rd-6th decade and are seen more commonly in females. A wide variety of tumors arise in the nasal cavity. A majority of them develop from the nasal mucosa; however, some also arise from the olfactory, neuroendocrine or minor salivary gland tissue. Pleomorphic adenoma is a tumor arising from the salivary glandular tissue with wide cytomorphologic diversity. Recognition of an epithelial, myoepithelial and a stromal component on histopathology is essential for diagnosis. Nasal pleomorphic adenomas are extremely rare, more so at a younger ages. Accurate clinical diagnosis is difficult owing to overlapping presenting features with other nasal tumors. Herewith we discuss clinical presentation, histopathologic peculiarities, diagnosis and management of nasal pleomorphic adenoma.