Important Facts About Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma also known as ACC is a rare cancer that is most commonly found in the head and neck areas, specifically the salivary glands. Some other areas that it has been known to manifest itself in include the nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, breast and uterus. Most cases of this cancer present itself in individuals between the ages of 40 and 45 years. The progression of this disease is slow and often relentless and has common recurrences and may move to other places like the liver, lungs and bones. Although ACC has a survival rate of about five years this decreases with the passing of time after diagnosis.

ACC is one cancer that is known to infect and spread through the nerves. This is also known as perineural invasion. Infection of the lymph nodes is not a common occurrence with this type of cancer. ACC more commonly affects women than men.

The most common methods of treatment generally include surgery and then radiation. At this time there have been no drug therapies that have been reported to be effective.

At this time it is unknown what causes Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. It is not believed to be associated with common risk factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking. It is also not known to be associated with heredity as other cancer may be.

In most cases, cancers are determined by their appearance under a microscope. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma has been reported to have three different types of cells. These include tubular, solid and cribiform. In some cases it has even been noted that all three variations have appeared in within one tumor. It is suggested that a tumor can go from cribiform to solid over the progression and time. Solid type may suggest a more aggressive cancer and may in turn result in a higher mortality rate. In order for a tumor to be classified as solid it should be approximately 30% solid.

Each case of ACC is different based on the particular person that is afflicted with it. In some people it may move very slowly while others it may spread at a much faster rate. Some of the things that may have an effect on the progression of ACC include the type of tumor and how large it is, as well as how quickly it was detected.

There are numerous symptoms that have been reported to be associated with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma including nerve paralysis, changes in vision and speech, respiratory problems, drooping eyelids and hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. Another symptom that you may experience is painful lumps in various locations such as about the face, in the mouth, under the jaw as well as under the tongue, in the roof of the mouth and in front of the ears.

Although there are quite a few symptoms relating to Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma not all individuals will experience all of these symptoms and some people who develop ACC may not have any of the symptoms for long periods of time.