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Adenoid cystic carcinoma

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody et al.

An adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) refers to a rare histological sub-type of adenocarcinoma. It generally considered low grade ⁴. The tumours have wide distribution and mainly occur in relation to the airways, lacrimal glands and breast. The tumours have notable tendency for perineural extension.

Clinical presentation and radiographic features are best discussed according to individual locations.

Reported locations include

head and neck
- salivary glands : one of the commonest malignancies of the submandibular and sublingual glands : adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands
- lacrimal glands : adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal glands
- nasopharynx :
- eyelid ⁵
breast - adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast ²
tracheo-bronchial tree / respiratory tract
- adenoid cystic carcinoma of tracheo bronchial tree
  - 2^nd most common malignant primary tracheal neoplasm (after squamous cell carcinoma) ⁴
  - also previously called a cylindroma in this location ⁴
- adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lungs
pelvis
- uterine and cervical
- Bartholin glands - adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin glands

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