What Is Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma?
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare form of malignant neoplasm that occurs in the glands of secretion, mostly in the major and minor salivary glands of the head and neck. Other regions of origin include the trachea, lacrimal gland, breast, skin, and vulva.decoction This neoplasm is defined by its distinctive histological appearance.
Differential diagnosis is largely other benign and malignant neoplasms that occur in these places. In salivary glands these include benign mixed tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and polymorphic low-grade adenocarcinoma.
Signs and symptoms
These largely depend on the area of origin of the tumor. Early lesions of the salivary glands often appear as painless masses of the slow-growing mouth or face. Advanced tumors can occur with pain and / or nerve paralysis, as this neoplasm tends to invade peripheral nerves. Tumors of the lacrimal gland can occur as proptosis and changes in vision. Adenoid cystic carcinoma, which occurs in the tracheobronchial tree, can occur with respiratory symptoms, while tumors that occur in the larynx can lead to changes in speech.
Due to its slow growth, adenoid cystic carcinoma follows a relatively harsh but brutal course.
