Myoepithelial-rich pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

A 39-year-old female rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) presented for stertor that had progressed over a 2-year period. A mass involving the soft palate was seen partially obstructing the oropharynx. Histopathological examination revealed a well-circumscribed, partially encapsulated mass composed primarily of myoepithelial cells with scattered duct-like structures, squamous metaplasia and hyaline stroma. The mass was diagnosed as a myoepithelial-rich pleomorphic adenoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in non-human primates.