Retrospective analysis of 35 patients with acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study evaluated data pertaining to the history, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of a series of patients treated for acinic cell carcinoma (ACC).


METHODS
Data were based on the records of 35 patients. Follow-up was done by analyzing their records and contacting the referring doctors.


RESULTS
In 71% of the ACC patients, painful swelling of the lateral region of the face was the main symptom. Facial paralysis occurred in 11% of cases before treatment. Tumor recurrence after therapy was noted in 42% of cases. Highly differentiated ACC was the most frequent histologic subtype (74%). The grade of differentiation of the tumor was decisive for the prognosis. Highly differentiated ACC had a better prognosis (2 years overall survival, 100%; 5 years overall survival, 83%; 10 years overall survival, 50%) than lowly differentiated tumors (2 years overall survival, 70%; 5 years overall survival, 50%; 10 years overall survival, 30%).


CONCLUSIONS
ACC is a rare tumor located mainly in the parotid gland that is characterized by some special attributes. Surgery is the therapy of choice. Prognosis depends mainly on the histologic subtype.
Laskawi
R
R
ENT Department, University of Göttingen, Germany.
Rödel
R
R
Zirk
A
A
Arglebe
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018267:Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate