adenoidcystiskt

Adenoidcystic carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that most often arises in glandular tissues. It is characterized by a slow growth rate and a tendency to recur locally. While it can occur in various locations, it is most commonly found in the salivary glands, particularly the minor salivary glands of the palate and submandibular gland. Other sites include the lacrimal glands, breast, skin, cervix, prostate, and trachea.

The microscopic appearance of adenoid cystic carcinoma is distinctive, often described as having a cribriform (sieve-like) pattern due to nests of tumor cells with cystic spaces filled with basement membrane material. Histologic subtypes include cribriform, tubular, and solid patterns, with the solid pattern generally associated with a poorer prognosis.

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. In the head and neck, it may present as a painless mass, facial nerve paralysis, or pain. Diagnosis typically involves a biopsy and imaging studies such as CT or MRI. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor with clear margins, often followed by radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is generally not very effective, but may be used in cases of metastatic disease. The prognosis for adenoid cystic carcinoma is generally considered to be good in the long term due to its slow growth, but the risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis remains significant.