EC Dental Science

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma emerges as a malignant salivary gland neoplasm characteristically demonstrating cytological uniformity and predominant architectural diversity. Tumefaction preponderantly arises within minor salivary glands, especially glands confined to hard palate or soft palate.

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma exhibits a predilection (~60%) for minor salivary glands, especially the palate. Major salivary glands are implicated in < 5% instances.

Characteristically, molecular alterations within PRKD gene, especially PRKD1 E710D hotspot mutations may be encountered.

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma is additionally designated as terminal duct carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, low grade papillary adenocarcinoma, cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland or polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma.

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6. Image 1 Courtesy: Libre pathology.
7. Image 2 Courtesy: Wikimedia commons.