Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the oral cavity: a report of 14 cases.

The clinicopathologic characteristics of 14 new cases of low-grade polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the oral cavity are presented. Tumors were located in the palate in 10 cases, and in one case each in the base of the tongue, buccal mucosa, tonsil, and retromolar pad. Nine cases were previously diagnosed as other categories of benign and malignant tumors. The tumors were classified as terminal-duct and low-grade papillary adenocarcinomas. Three cases developed local recurrence and four cases had lymph nodes metastasis, two on admission and two during the course of the disease. Two of the local recurrences and all cases with metastasis were salvaged with further surgery with or without irradiation. Recurrence and metastasis occurred only with the terminal duct adenocarcinoma. There was no death related to the neoplasm, although one patient is living with advanced disease.