**Question:** Treatment of choice for pleomorphic adenoma is-

A. Surgery
B. Radiotherapy
C. Chemotherapy
D. Radiofrequency ablation

**Correct Answer:** A. Surgery

**Core Concept:**
Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor arising from the salivary gland salivary acinar cells or ductal cells. It is a slow-growing tumor with a low risk of recurrence or malignant change. The primary treatment for pleomorphic adenoma is surgical excision, as it is a benign tumor localized to the salivary gland.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Surgery is the preferred treatment for pleomorphic adenoma due to the tumor's benign nature and localized growth. The goal of surgery is to excise the tumor completely, preserving the surrounding glandular tissue and minimizing the risk of complications such as salivary gland dysfunction, infection, or anesthetic complications.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

**B. Radiotherapy:** Radiotherapy is typically reserved for malignant salivary gland tumors, as it can cause severe damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and salivary gland function. Radiotherapy may be considered in specific cases where surgery is not feasible or when medical management is preferred, but it is not the first-line treatment for pleomorphic adenoma.

**C. Chemotherapy:** Chemotherapy is rarely used in salivary gland tumors, as it typically targets rapidly dividing cells and is not specific to tumor cells. Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor and does not require systemic treatment like chemotherapy.

**D. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA):** Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used for treating benign and malignant tumors by causing thermal injury to the tumor tissue. It is not a suitable treatment option for pleomorphic adenoma as it is a localized tumor that can be easily resected surgically without causing severe damage to surrounding tissue.

**Clinical Pearl:**

In the management of pleomorphic adenoma, a thorough preoperative evaluation and meticulous surgical excision are crucial to minimize complications and maintain salivary gland function. Consultation with an experienced head and neck surgeon is essential in determining the appropriate treatment plan for salivary gland tumors.