Clinico Radiological Approach of Palatal Swelling - Report of Two Cases

Palatal swellings can at times be a challenging task for a clinician to diagnose. A mass or swelling of the palate can result from developmental, inflammatory, reactive, or neoplastic processes. For differential diagnosis, swellings must be considered based on their location (anterior or posterior surface of hard palate or soft palate), by its origin (congenital or acquired), by its consistency (soft, firm or hard), and by its border (diffuse or localized). Swellings of odontogenic origin are very common, but palatal abscess may mimic a minor salivary gland tumour or radicular cyst and can be difficult to diagnose. The presence of numerous minor salivary gland tissues in the posterior part of the hard palate increases the possibility of neoplasms. Salivary gland neoplasms can be aggressive, and most of their clinical features often overlap; hence, a detailed examination and clinical investigation should be carried out in order to reach a definitive conclusion. Radiology is an important diagnostic tool, especially CBCT, for salivary gland pathology in the detection of malignancies, particularly for those cases with extensive bony involvement, and can provide foresight into the treatment planning and be a valuable tool in assessing the clinical picture. Eventually, biopsy of the mass or swelling is necessary for definitive diagnosis and to determine the palatal management. This poster discusses two cases of with a similar clinical appearance.