Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the tonsil: report of a case and review of the literature.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a relatively common malignancy of the oral cavity, representing 7% to 11% of all intraoral minor salivary gland tumors, and 19% to 26% of those that are malignant. However, it is a rare finding in the oropharynx, with only 6 cases reported in the medical literature. The clinical features of a case of PLGA of the tonsillar fossa in a 64-year-old gentleman are presented, only the second such case reported in the medical literature. A review and discussion of the literature pertaining to PLGA of the oral cavity and the oropharynx is provided. (Am J Otolaryngol 2002;23:297-299.