Life-Threatening Bleeding in Atypical Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Soft Palate

Introduction: Atypical pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is an uncommon tumor, more frequent in submandibular and parotid glands. PA is classified as atypical when it presents hypercellularity, necrosis or hyalinization, dysplasia, capsular violation or distant metastases.

Case report: We described a case of a 39-year-old female presented with a slowly growing mass involving the soft palate. A life-threatening bleeding from PA with hemorrhagic shock occurred and required ligation of the external carotid artery with tracheotomy. A transoral en-bloc excision of the mass (70 x 50 x 40 mm) was performed. Pathological exam demonstrated an atypical PA, with hypercellular fields and myoepithelial and squamous differentiation.

Conclusion: An appropriate diagnostic evaluation and a prompt intervention are essential to avoid dangerous complications, even for benign neoplasms.