What is an adenochondroma?

Adenochondroma is a rare, benign tumor of salivary gland tissue. It can occur in any of the salivary glands, including the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual gland. Adenochondromas are typically slow-growing and painless. They may cause swelling or a lump in the affected area, and they can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as lymph nodes or cysts. Adenochondromas are diagnosed with a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from the tumor for examination under a microscope. Treatment for adenochondromas typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. In most cases, adenochondromas are completely curable after surgical removal.

Microscopic features:

- Proliferation of bland acinar and ductal components in varying proportions.

- Acinar cells may be arranged in solid sheets, cords, tubules or pseudorosettes.

- In some cases, areas of oncocytic metaplasia may be seen.

- Myxoid change may be present.