Abstract
Background Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a biphasic salivary gland malignancy that is characterized by cellular, morphologic, and clinical heterogeneity. ACCs are the second most common salivary gland malignancy, are the most common malignancy of minor salivary glands, and comprise 15 to 25% of all salivary carcinomas. ACC arises from the intercalated ducts, which are composed of inner ductal epithelial and outer myoepithelial cell. The histogenesis of these tumors is uncertain. However, an origin from stem cells with multidirectional differentiation is likely possible. Histologic architecture alone determines the grade of ACC: tubular and cribriform growth patterns are associated with a longer survival time than solid forms are. We are currently starting to understand and get insights into intrinsic subtypes of this cancer directly linked to the dominant myoepithelial (M-ACC) or epithelial (E-ACC) cell type.
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