Adenoid cystic carcinoma

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**Adenoid cystic carcinoma**
*Classification & external resources*
ICD-O:	M 8200/3 }

Adenoid cystic cancer (AdCC) is a very rare type of cancer that can exist in many different body sites. It most often occurs in the areas of the head and neck, in particular the salivary glands; but has also been reported in the breast, lacrimal gland of the eye, lung, brain, bartholin gland, and the trachea. It is sometimes referred to as adenocyst, malignant cylindroma, adenocystic, adenoidcystic, ACC, AdCC.

Lacrimal involvement may cause pain because of perineural invasion and, to some extent, because of bone destruction. Rapid onset of pain can distinguish the condition with a benign mixed tumor. However, even benign mixed tumors are often excised (taken out). If so, they should be taken out in its entirely to prevent malignant transformation.

[edit] Treatment

ACC metastasis in lung

Primary treatment for this cancer, regardless of body site, is surgical removal with clean margins. This can be challenging in the head and neck region due to this tumour's tendency spread along nerve tracts. Adjuvant or palliative radiotherapy is commonly given following surgery. Chemotherapy is used for metastatic disease.