Adenocystic carcinoma of salivary gland: A literature review

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare salivary gland tumor that has a consistent slow growth rate and has destructive biological behavior because of its deep peripheral tissue invasion and higher recurrence rate and tendency of distant metastasis. The involvement of adjacent vital structures may lead to death. Its clinical presentation also causes difficulty in diagnosis. Surgical resection following radiotherapy is the main treatment modality of Adenoid cystic carcinoma. Even after successful therapy of the primary tumor, there is a high rate of local recurrence and in contrast to other epithelial malignancies, it has a very poor prognosis. The survival rate is good for the initial 5 years but it falls after 5 years follow up.