Acinic cell carcinoma presenting as an upper lip mass.
BACKGROUND
Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor generally involving the parotid gland and infrequently the minor salivary glands.


OBJECTIVE
Clinical and histopathological characteristics of a case of ACC of the minor salivary glands, and brief review of the literature.


METHODS
Routine stains with H&E, PAS, iron, and mucicarmine; immunohistochemistry with cytokeratin, CEA, S-100, and leu-M1.


RESULTS
The ACC was removed by wide local excision. Histopathology revealed papillary cystic, solid, and ductal architectural features. The mucinous material within the lumina of the cystic and ductal structures was PAS and mucicarmine positive, and diastase resistant. All tested immunohistochemical reagents reacted with the epithelial cells. There were no mitoses, necrosis, cellular pleomorphism, or infiltration.


CONCLUSIONS
ACC is a rare tumor of salivary glands characterized by an indolent clinical course with the potential for both local recurrence and metastatic spread when tracked for decades. Published mortality rates vary from 6 to 50%. Histopathologic features do not reliably predict biologic behavior.
Kenner
J R
JR
Dermatology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA.
Benson
P M
PM
Sinha
C
C
Willard
C C
CC
Harrington
A C
AC
Sau
P
P
D018267:Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012470:Salivary Glands, Minor