Trapdoor Approach for Removal of the Pleomorphic Adenoma in the Palate: Case Report

ABSTRACT

female presented to our hospital with a slow growing, hard and soft palate mass on the right that had been present for the several months. Physical examination showed a 2 cm, firm, well-circumscribed, painless mass on the right side of the palate. PNS computer tomographic imaging showed a 1.5x1.3x2 cm well-defined cystic mass on the right side of both the hard and soft palate without any underlying bone change. The lesion was completely excised under general anesthesia. In order to preserve the palatal mucosa, trapdoor approach for removal of the pleomorphic adenoma was done. This technique provided more comfortable healing of the operative site. Three years after surgery, there was no evidence of recurrence. If pleomorphic adenoma without bony and mucosal destruction exists, we suggest consideration of the trapdoor approach to protect the palatal mucosa. In view of the potential for tumour recurrence, long-term follow-up and careful examination are necessary.