Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Pronunciation: AD-en-oyd SIS-tik kar-SIN-oh-mah
A malignant salivary gland tumour characterised by a cribriform ('Swiss cheese') growth pattern and a notorious tendency for perineural invasion.
Full Definition
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignancies of the minor and major salivary glands, recognized histologically by its cribriform, tubular, and solid growth patterns. It carries a high propensity for perineural invasion, which accounts for its clinical presentation with pain or facial nerve palsy. Despite slow growth, ACC has a deceptive long-term prognosis owing to late distant metastases, most frequently to the lungs. Editors must distinguish it from the benign pleomorphic adenoma and must retain the full adjectival phrase 'adenoid cystic' rather than collapsing it to 'cystic carcinoma'. It is classified under the WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to 'cystic carcinoma'; the full name is required for diagnostic precision. 'Cylindroma' is an obsolete synonym that should be flagged for replacement.
In Context
- "The pathology report confirmed adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland with extensive perineural invasion." — Surgical pathology report
- "Editors should note that 'adenoid cystic carcinoma' is always lower-cased in running text unless it opens a sentence." — Style guide annotation