Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma: a 17 patient case series

Abstract

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare malignancy most commonly seen in the minor salivary glands. First described in 1983, this entity has been recognized to have an indolent course with rare metastases or deaths. We describe our experience with 17 patients treated at our institution for PLGA from 1984 to 2012. All tumors were located in the oral cavity or soft palate. All patients were treated surgically, with the exception of one patient who declined therapy. No deaths or metastases have been identified in subsequent follow-up. Three patients in this series had undergone prior surgery up to 20 years previously and were treated for recurrences at our institution; no other recurrences have been noted. In summary, PLGA is best treated with wide excision to negative margins with excellent prognosis, but long-term follow-up is recommended given the propensity for late recurrences.