Central pleomorphic adenoma of the maxilla: report of a case

Centrally occurring pleomorphic adenoma of the maxilla is extremely rare, although this tumor is the most common neoplasm involving both the major and minor sali-vary glands. A 32-year-old Japanese woman presented with gingival swelling of the left molar region of the maxilla. After oral and radiographic examinations, the tumor was resected with part of the maxilla under the clinical diagnosis of ameloblastoma. Microscopic examination showed that the tumor centrally occurred in the maxilla. Histopathological examination of a surgical specimen showed a benign pleomorphic adenoma. After surgery, the patient had a fairly good prognosis, with no evidence of local recurrence.