What is the common treatment for pleomorphic adenoma?

The most appropriate treatment for pleomorphic adenoma, which is a benign tumor commonly found in the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, is excision of the tumor. This approach is necessary because while pleomorphic adenomas are non-cancerous, they can grow and potentially lead to complications or affect surrounding tissues if not removed. Surgical excision allows for complete removal of the tumor, which not only alleviates symptoms but also minimizes the risk of recurrence.

In addition, since pleomorphic adenomas can exhibit characteristics that may mimic malignant processes over time, complete surgical removal is also vital for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Monitoring or non-interventional strategies may not be adequate since they do not address the tumor itself, while radiation therapy is not typically employed unless there are concerns about malignant transformation or incomplete resection. Therefore, excision provides the most effective treatment approach for this condition.