Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Thirty-two patients with adenoid cystic carcinomas were treated at our hospital over 15 years. Twenty-seven cases (85%) occurred in the head and neck. Cumulative 5- and 10-year survival rates of 24 cases that were treated in otorhinolaryngology were 86.2% and 57.9%, respectively. In our study, T stage and positive margins of excision were found to be of prognostic significance. Recurrences were seen in nine of 19 cases (47.4%) of complete treatment, and six involved the primary site. In four of the six cases, recurrences at the primary site occurred after more than five years. These reflected the slow growth that is characteristic of adenoid cystic carcinoma. One patient lived for elght years and two months, despite impossibility of adequate treatment. On the other hand, there are cases in which the terminal stage is prolonged. We consider adenoid cystic carcinoma to be a difficult neoplasm for which appropriate treatment is needed according to each case. © 2004, Japan Society for Head and Neck Cancer. All rights reserved.