Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Accessory Salivary Glands of the Nasopharynx: A Rare Location – Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign tumor of the salivary glands, predominantly arising from the major salivary glands. Its occurrence in the nasopharynx, originating from the minor salivary glands, is extremely rare and may lead to diagnostic delay due to non-specific clinical presentation.
We report the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with progressive unilateral conductive hearing loss associated with persistent aural fullness. Nasopharyngoscopic examination revealed a smooth, well-circumscribed mass arising from the left lateral wall of the nasopharynx and partially obstructing the Eustachian tube orifice. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a well-defined lesion with moderate T2 hyperintensity and moderate contrast enhancement, without invasion of adjacent structures. Histopathological examination of an endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands.
The patient underwent complete surgical excision via a transoral approach with clear margins. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed during a five-year clinical and endoscopic follow-up.