Delay in Diagnosis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Abstract

denoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm that can occur in many head and neck locations including the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, lacrimal gland, esophagus, and in both minor and major salivary gland tissue. Understanding this form of adenocarcinoma is especially important because of its growth characteristics, high rate of recurrence,and potential for distant metastasis. Adenoid cystic carcinoma can present as a unilobular mass of the salivary glands. The practicing clinician and pathologist play a dual role in the diagnosis and treatment of this malignancy. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, treatment options can range from limited surgical excision to radical surgery with radiation therapy. Failure to include a malignant neoplasm in the differential diagnosis when confronted with a palatal tumor can lead to delays in treatment Early diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands is critically important to increased treatment success rates. The purpose of this case discussion is to emphasize features common to intraoral adenoid cystic carcinoma and to highlight the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.