Sclerosing polycystic adenosis of the buccal mucosa.

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis (SPA) is a rare lesion of salivary glands with a striking resemblance to fibrocystic disease of the breast. Most of the 47 reported cases have occurred within the parotid gland, with only a single case being described within the buccal mucosa. We report an additional case of SPA of the buccal mucosa. The exact nature of this entity is unknown, but has up until recently believed to be a pseudoneoplastic reactive and inflammatory sclerosing process. Even though SPA has satisfied the criteria for monoclonality, the debate as to whether SPA represents a true neoplasm or a pseudoneoplastic inflammatory sclerosing process, with low-grade neoplastic potential continues. Awareness of the occurrence of this lesion in both major and minor salivary glands is important to promote its differentiation from other more sinister salivary gland pathology. Cure is effected by localized surgical excision and all reported cases of SPA show an excellent prognosis with no true recurrence or metastasis.