An Unexpected Site: Pleomorphic Adenoma In The Nasal Septum

Abstract

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumour of the major salivary glands, but it may also arise in the minor salivary glands, particularly those located in the hard and soft palate. Its occurrence in the nasal cavity is rare, with approximately 80% of intranasal cases originating from the nasal septum and the remainder from the lateral wall or turbinates. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman who experienced left-sided epistaxis for one year, along with progressive nasal obstruction and a painless swelling over the left lateral alar region for six months. Rigid nasoendoscopy revealed a large polypoid mass occupying the left anterior nasal cavity. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen suggested pleomorphic adenoma. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses demonstrated an enhancing soft tissue lesion at the proximal left nasal meatus. The mass was excised endoscopically, and the patient has remained disease-free on follow-up. This case underscores the importance of recognising intranasal pleomorphic adenoma as a rare differential diagnosis and highlights the value of early identification and surgical intervention.