What is the most common type of salivary gland tumor?

Pleomorphic adenoma is indeed the most common type of salivary gland tumor, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all salivary gland neoplasms. This benign tumor typically arises in the parotid gland but can be found in other salivary glands as well. It is characterized by its mixed histologic features, including both epithelial and mesenchymal (stromal) elements, which is where it gets its name "pleomorphic."

The tendency of pleomorphic adenomas to remain asymptomatic for long periods allows them to grow to a significant size before diagnosis, often presenting as a painless mass. Due to their benign nature, they usually have a good prognosis, but there's a risk of recurrence if the tumor is not completely excised.

In contrast to pleomorphic adenoma, other salivary gland tumors like mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma tend to be malignant. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is especially common in children, but its overall incidence is lower when considering the entire population of salivary gland tumors. Warthin tumor, while also a common benign tumor, typically occurs less frequently than pleomorphic adenomas.

With the predominance of pleomorphic adenoma in