Recent mapping studies have assigned the human c-mos proto-oncogene to chromosome 8, bands q11-12. This region is frequently affected by chromosomal translocations in benign pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands. Using Southern blot analysis we report here that the c-mos gene and its flanking sequences are structurally altered in pleomorphic adenomas with chromosomal rearrangements of 8q12. Rearrangements were detected in two out of 23 tumors. Restriction fragment analysis indicated that the rearrangements were due to multiple, subtle mutations involving the c-mos open reading frame and its flanking sequences. There was no direct evidence of translocation of mos in any of the tumors. Control DNAs from the two patients showed a normal restriction pattern for all enzymes tested, indicating that the rearrangements are tumor specific. Collectively, our cytogenetic and molecular data suggest involvement of the c-mos gene in the pathogenesis of pleomorphic adenomas.