Age and adenoma size are independent risk factors for the development of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma

The frequency of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXAP) is largely varying in literature. Data for the risk of de novo malignant transformation vary between 1.1% and 6.2% [1 –4]. According to Valstar et al. [1] this variation may reflect referral bias. Moreover, there is some evidence for geographical differences in the prevalence of CXPA [4]. The progression of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) to CXPA is a multistep process. Genomic instability and successive mutations durin g tumor growth involving in particular loss of suppressor genes, as well as epigenetic alterations result in rise of a carcinoma [5,6].
Source: Oral Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Letter to the editor Source Type: research