Adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from minor salivary glands of palate involving maxillary sinus.

ABSTRACT

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) was first described by Billroth in 1856 and was called ‘cylindroma’ due to its characteristic histological appearance. ACC is the most common malignant neoplasm of the lacrimal gland, and the second most common type of carcinoma arising in the salivary glands, following mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Palate is the most commonly affected site followed by parotid gland, submandibular gland, antrum & tongue. Characteristic features include aggressive, slow growth, with insidious destruction of surrounding tissues, perineural invasion, prolonged clinical course and the tendency for delayed onset of the distant metastases which worsens the prognosis. Long term survival can be achieved particularly with combined surgery and radiotherapy. The most common pattern is the cribriform architecture. Histopathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of ACC. CT & MRI are considered to be of almost similar significance in detection of perineural spread with preference to MRI because of its high soft tissue contrast. Here we have mentioned a case of Adenoid Cystic carcinoma arising from minor salivary glands of palate.