St-Amant M, Knipe H, Elfeky M, et al. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 16 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-20129
Adenoid cystic carcinomas arise more commonly in the minor salivary glands (~55%) than in the major salivary glands. They are the most common sinonasal tumours of salivary origin. They are locally aggressive with a propensity for perineural spread 5.
Radiographic features
Generally, a distinction is made radiologically between low-grade and high-grade adenoid cystic carcinomas. Low-grade tumours tend to be well-defined, in contradistinction to high-grade tumours, which appear infiltrative. However, both subtypes are usually homogeneously enhancing after contrast administration.
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