Adenoid cystic carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), also called cylindroma, is the most common and most malignant lacrimal epithelial tumor, second only to pleomorphic adenoma in incidence. It is insidious and aggressive, often advanced at diagnosis, adjacent to oral/nasal/ocular/skull-base structures, readily spreading along nerves; prognosis is often poor, though modern multimodal therapy has improved prospects.

Common Symptoms

Ptosis; painless parotid mass; orbital pain; temporal bulge; chemosis/corneal ulcer; parotid swelling; brow pain

Causes

Etiology unclear; thought to arise from salivary ducts or oral mucosal basal cells. Mechanism: malignant transformation of normal cells with altered biology forming autonomous new growth, related to oncogenic genetic changes.

Treatment

Surgery; drug therapy; supportive care

Prevention

Regular lifestyle and early attention to salivary symptoms are important; early detection improves cure and survival. ACC is aggressive, spreading submucosally and along nerves; local recurrence is common especially with positive margins, but growth is slow and patients may coexist with tumor long-term. Follow up at 6-12 months post-op to prevent recurrence or intracranial extension.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the oncological surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.