Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck

We reviewed the clinical and imaging files of 15 patients with pathological ly confirmed recurrent pleomorphic adenomas of the head and neck. The prima ry tumours were in the lacrimal gland (1 case), cheek (2), palate (5), paro tid gland (4), and submandibular gland (3). Recurrence was generally late, with an average of 14.9 years between initial surgery and recurrence. Multi ple recurrent tumours, measuring 5-50 mm were found in eight patients. In a ll palatal cases recurrence was large and solitary. Most recurrent pleomorp hic adenomas were well delineated with smooth margins, like most primary tu mours. Irregularity of the: margins was seen in four patients. In four of t he five tumours of the palate and in the orbital lesion, the recurrent tumo urs caused bone destruction, thus mimicking malignant lesions. Irregular-ma rgined recurrences seem to be rather small and found among multiple recurre nt nodules.