Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: August | Volume: 13 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 123-131
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230819
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Head and Neck Region: Experiences at a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Raghavendra Prasad K U1, Shreyanka M Doreswamy2, Manohar S R3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University, Karnataka, India
Corresponding Author: Raghavendra Prasad K U
ABSTRACT
Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the salivary glands. It accounts for less than 1 percent of all head and neck malignancies. It is a slow-growing aggressive tumor with increased chances of recurrence.
Objectives: To report the varied presentations and to discuss the clinical profile and management of six diagnosed cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Head and Neck region.
Method: A retrospective study consisting of 6 diagnosed cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Head and Neck region which were treated at our tertiary care center between the period of January 2009 till December 2022.
Results: In our study, the mean age of occurrence of the disease was 52.5 years and 4 out of 6 patients (66.7%) were females. Out of the 6 cases, 3 patients were diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland, 1 patient with the maxilla, 1 sphenoid sinus, and 1 patient with the base of the tongue. All patients underwent surgical excision of the primary tumor and two of the patients had recurrence. Positive microscopic margins were reported in only one patient. Microscopic perineural invasion was seen in 2 patients.
Conclusion: Primary treatment is still surgical resection with radiotherapy. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of minor salivary glands has a worse prognosis than those of major salivary glands. Post-operative radiation is a must to delay rather than prevent local recurrence.
Key words: Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Parotid; Maxilla; Sphenoid sinus; Tongue