Trapdoor Approach for Removal of the Pleomorphic Adenoma in the Palate: Case Report

Abstract Trapdoor Approach for Removal of the Pleomorphic Adenoma in the Palate: Case Report Eun-Young Lee, Kyoung-Won Kim Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National UniversityA 27-year-old female presented to our hospital with a slow grow ing, hard and soft palate mass on the right that had been present for the several months. Physical examination showed a 2 cm, firm, well-circumscribed, painless mass on the right side of the palate. PNS computer tomographic imaging showed a 1 .5×1.3×2 cm well-defined cystic mass on the right side of both the hard and soft palate without any underlying bone ch ange. The lesion was completely excised under general anesthesia. In order to preserve the palatal mucosa, trapdoor a pproach for removal of the pleomorphic adenoma was done. This technique provided more comfortable healing of the operati ve site. Three years after surgery, there was no evidence of recurrence. If pleomorphic adenoma without bony and mucosal destruction exists, we suggest consideration of the trapdoor approach to protect the palatal mucosa. In view of the potentia l for tumour recurrence, long-term follow-up and careful examination are necessary.Key words:Pleomorphic adenoma, Trapdoor approach