Pleomorphic adenomas (mixed tumors) of the salivary glands are characterized by which of the following?: (A) They occur most commonly on the lips, tongue, and palate, (B) They grow rapidly, (C) They rarely recur if simply enucleated, (D) They present as rock-hard masses
Answer is A. There are approximately 400-700 minor salivary glands in the oral cavity. Pleomorphic adenomas (mixed tumors) can occur in any of them. These round tumors have a rubbery consistency and are slow-growing; all are potentially malignant. Unless adequately excised, they tend to recur locally in a high percentage of cases. The sites most commonly affected by pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands are the lips, tongue, and palate.