Polymorphous Low-Grade Adenocarcinoma of the Salivary Glands – A Review

Abstract

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare neoplasm with an indolent course that occurs mainly in minor salivary glands and rarely in major salivary glands. It is characterised by morphological diversity hence the term polymorphous has been used. Diagnosis is often challenging due to variable microscopic growth patterns. The most common clinical presentation is asymptomatic painless mass which is slow-growing. The treatment of choice is wide surgical excision with negative margins. The role of radiotherapy is still not clear but considered in cases with positive margins and advanced stages. In this article, we review the clinical presentation, pathological features, treatment and prognosis of this rare entity.