Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Sinonasal and Nasopharyngeal Pleomorphic Adenomas: A Case Series

Pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal septum: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland tumors with epithelial, myxoid, and mucoid components. They rarely occur in the upper respiratory tract where the predominant site is the nasal septum, leading to symptoms of nasal obstruction. Identifying these tumors requires histopathological examination, and they are usually managed surgically.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A middle-aged lady presented to the outpatient otorhinolaryngology clinic with symptoms of unilateral nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy in the clinic revealed a right-sided anterior nasal septal vascular mass, which was confirmed with a contrast-enhanced CT scan with suspicion of septal hemangioma. Surgical examination and endoscopic removal of the septal mass were carried out under anesthesia, and histopathology of the specimen showed predominant myoepithelial cellularity with scanty stroma, consistent with a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. The patient had an uneventful post-operative stay and follow-up with no recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Nasal cavity pleomorphic adenomas are important to identify and treat, as they can recur and potentially turn malignant. Endoscopic endonasal surgery is emerging as the treatment of choice for these adenomas, as it is associated with minimal morbidity and cosmetic impact.

CONCLUSION

We report a rare case of nasal septal pleomorphic adenoma in a middle-aged female, which was successfully treated with endoscopic endonasal surgery.

A Rare Case of Sinonasal Pleomorphic Adenoma

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most prevalent benign tumor of the salivary glands, characterized by both epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation. It primarily originates within the parotid and submandibular glands, with only rare occurrences in the minor salivary glands. PA in the sinonasal area is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of a 61-year-old female with a large soft tissue mass in the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity, as evidenced by computed tomography imaging. The patient suffered from repeated nasal congestion for more than 6 months. Eventually, the mass was completely resected using an endoscopic endonasal prelacrimal approach under general anesthesia. Postoperative pathological examination revealed the presence of PA in the nasal sinus.

INTRANASAL PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMA ARISING FROM THE LATERAL NASAL WALL

Pleomorphic adenoma is very rare in the sinonasal region, with the most common localization on the nasal septum, followed by lateral nasal wall. In the case presented, a 72-year-old woman was complaining of the right sided nasal obstruction without any other symptoms. The symptom started a year before and increased progressively. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed a mucosa-covered, smooth-surfaced, soft, polypoid, pale, grayish-pink in color mass in the right nasal cavity, approximately 2x2 cm in size. Nasal endoscopy showed the mass to have a broad base on the lateral nasal wall. Computerized tomography scan showed a homogeneous, solid soft tissue mass, 25x18x12 mm in size, which was attached to the lateral nasal wall, behind the nasal vestibule, just in front of the inferior turbinate. Endonasal endoscopic complete tumor excision was performed, during which some spillage of the tumor occurred. Histology diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands. The patient was followed up on regular basis and had no tumor recurrence in the 6th postoperative year. Intranasal pleomorphic adenoma arising from the lateral nasal wall in front of the inferior turbinate is extremely rare, so the presented case is probably the first ever published.

A Rare Case of a Nasopharyngeal Pleomorphic Adenoma Mimicking a Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign pathology of the major salivary gland but rare in the minor salivary gland, especially in the nasopharynx, with only a few cases reported in the literature. A 76-year-old lady presented with bilateral nasal blockage for one year secondary to a nasopharyngeal mass. Histopathological examination reported it to be nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but the mass persisted after a course of chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Upon repeat biopsy, the mass was found to be a pleomorphic adenoma. The patient underwent nasopharyngectomy without complications and no evidence of recurrence after 18 months of follow-up.