Recurrent canalicular adenoma of the minor salivary glands in the upper lip.

Canalicular adenoma is a recently classified uncommon salivary gland neoplasm. This biologically benign growth tends to be multifocal and occurs most often in the upper lips of elderly people. Histologically and clinically it differs from the basal cell adenoma, for which it may be mistaken, in a number of ways. Its clinical importance lies in the fact that it may be confused with malignancy. Little information is available regarding the recurrence and long-term follow-up of these tumours, and where available it covers only relatively short periods. We report the recurrence of a canalicular adenoma after an 11.2 year disease-free period.