A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma parotid with perineural spread

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary glands is a slow growing malignant tumour, characterized by wide local infiltration, perineural spread, a propensity to local recurrence and late distant metastases [1, 7]. ACC is a rare tumour and forms about 1% of all malignant tumours of the oral and maxillofacial region [2]. ACC constitutes about 21.9% of all salivary gland malignancies [3]. ACC has three histopathologic patterns viz. tubular, cribriform and a solid pattern. Solid pattern is associated with increased local recurrence, high metastic rate and higher mortality [4]. We present a case report of solid ACC of parotid salivary gland in a 42 year old female with intracranial extension. Despite good initial response to radiotherapy, patient developed recurrence in the eyelid, orbit, maxilla of the same side and pons. The patient expired within a year of diagnosis.