DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i10.073

Pages: 2493-2496

Background: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent benign salivary gland tumor and commonly involves minor salivary glands of the palate, where it can mimic infectious processes and delay appropriate management. Case presentation: A 25-year-old patient presented with a firm palatal mass initially treated as a palatal/subperiosteal abscess with antibiotics and incision–drainage; imaging showed no osseous abnormality adjacent to the lesion and intraoral excision under local anesthesia achieved en bloc removal of a well-encapsulated mass. Histopathology revealed a biphasic proliferation with small basaloid epithelial cells and elongated spindle cells arranged in poorly circumscribed clusters within an abundant remodeled stroma, consistent with pleomorphic adenoma. Outcome: Healing was uneventful at day 10, with no early complications. Discussion: Palatal pleomorphic adenoma often presents as a firm submucosal mass on the posterolateral hard palate with frequently normal overlying mucosa, and may be mistaken for acute infections; MRI is the imaging modality of choice for large lesions to assess extent and benign versus malignant features. Conclusion: Early consideration of salivary tumors in palatal masses, timely biopsy, and complete surgical excision are essential to avoid diagnostic delay and reduce recurrence risk.