Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the palate in a child

A rare case of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the palate in a 9-year-old boy is presented. Pleomorphic adenoma is relatively rare in children compar ed with its incidence in adults. However, it is the most common benign epit helial tumour of the salivary glands. The majority of pleomorphic adenomata in children occur in the major salivary glands, mainly the parotid gland. Pleomorphic adenomata of the minor salivary glands are rare in children and mainly occur in the palatal glands. Of the few cases of pleomorphic adenom a of the palate reported in children, only one case showed recurrence of th e tumour after primary excision. We present the second case of recurrent pl eomorphic adenoma of the palate in a child. (C) 2001 The British Associatio n of Plastic Surgeons.