Palatal Swellings: A Proposed Classification and a Case Report of Pleomorphic Adenoma of Minor Salivary Gland of the Palate

Palatal swellings are a commonly encountered diagnostic entity. They can be infectious, neoplastic, odontogenic, vascular, congenital or secondary manifestation of a systemic disease. While individual palatal lesions are well documented in the literature, there is lack of a comprehensive classification of such entities. Proper classification helps in prompt and accurate diagnosis, facilitating proper management. This article proposes a comprehensive classification of palatal swellings based on their location, clinical findings and aetiology, and describes a case report of pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary gland of the palate.

Indolent palatal swelling: Catch 22

We present an interesting but intriguing case of an indolent palatal swelling. The lesion was asymptomatic causing little discomfort to the patient and thus was an incidental clinical finding. Provisional diagnosis was a benign, minor salivary gland tumor. Clinical differential diagnoses included benign lymphoepithelial lesion or mucus extravasation phenomenon. Nevertheless, we also considered malignancies such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, lymphoma, and neoplasm of the maxillary sinus. However, the histopathology revealed a rare clinicopathologic entity prompting immediate treatment of the lesion.

Subacute Necrotizing Sialadenitis: A Series of Three Cases and Literature Review

Subacute necrotizing sialadenitis (SANS) is an unusual inflammatory condition known to primarily affect the minor salivary glands of the palatal region. Patients usually present with a localized, often erythematous palatal swelling accompanied by an abrupt onset of pain. The disease usually resolves between 2 days and a week with few extrapalatal reports lasting longer than 1 week. We report a series of three cases of SANS involving the palate.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma: unusual intraoral finding

Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that usually presents as a self-limiting dermatological condition in young children. Rarely, extracutaneous sites may also be involved. We report a case in a 3-year-old girl that presented intraorally as a solitary, well-defined, soft, purple palatal swelling. Patients with these rare intraoral lesions may present to dentists and subsequently to oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Diagnosis requires histopathological analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Further investigation from other specialties is required to rule out involvement of other organ systems.