Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung — a case report

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant neoplasm that frequently originates from the salivary glands of the head and neck. The majority of pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinomas develop centrally in the trachea. Primary ACC of the lung arising from the bronchial glands is a rare disease and accounts for only 0.09‑0.2% of all primary lung neoplasms [1]. Although their growth rate is often indolent, they sometimes show aggressive biologic behaviour. Local invasion with perineural infiltrations, and lymph node and hematogenous metastases have been reported for some of these neoplasms [2]. Treatment options for advanced disease are limited. We herein report a case of a 56-year-old male patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung, who received conventional chemotherapy and endobronchial irradiation. This review focuses on the palliative therapy in the treatment of metastatic ACC.