Acinic Cell Carcinoma
Pronunciation: ah-SIN-ik sel KAR-sih-NOH-mah
Also written as: AciCC — Acinic Cell Carcinoma
A low-grade malignant salivary gland tumour showing serous acinar differentiation, predominantly arising in the parotid gland.
Full Definition
Acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) is a malignant salivary gland neoplasm characterised by cells that recapitulate the serous acinar cells of normal salivary gland tissue, showing basophilic zymogen-type granules in the cytoplasm. Although traditionally considered low-grade, a subset can behave aggressively, particularly when high-grade transformation (dedifferentiation) occurs. Editors must be alert to the correct spelling: 'acinic' (not 'acinar' or 'acinous') is the accepted WHO term. AciCC should not be confused with mucoepidermoid carcinoma or secretory carcinoma (formerly mammary analogue secretory carcinoma), which are distinct entities despite overlapping salivary gland origin.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'acinic', not 'acinar' or 'acinous'. Flag any deviation from WHO-preferred spelling as an error.
In Context
- "The parotidectomy specimen revealed acinic cell carcinoma with characteristic basophilic cytoplasmic granules on haematoxylin and eosin staining." — Surgical pathology report
- "The proofreader corrected 'acinar cell carcinoma' to 'acinic cell carcinoma' in accordance with WHO-preferred spelling." — Proofreading note