title: Adenoid cystic carcinoma manifesting as maxillary jaw pain refractory to conventional treatment: a case report.
abstract: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is an indolent, slow-growing tumor that may first cause low-grade pain in the affected region. This article describes a case involving adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxilla that was present for approximately nine years. Prior to diagnosis, five dentists reported that the patient had anisocoria, migraine headaches, and low-to-moderate upper jaw pain that was refractory to conventional therapy. A surgical resection was performed; after a period of soft tissue healing, radiation therapy was initiated. The surgical defect was obturated using an interim removable prosthesis while awaiting final reconstruction by a maxillofacial prosthodontist. This article examines possible reasons why this lesion was not diagnosed sooner and discusses how this case should raise the general dentist's awareness of such lesions.
authors.affiliation: Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Closmann
authors.forename: Brian L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015875:Anisocoria / Q000175:diagnosis; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D003779:Denture Design; D003833:Denture, Partial, Temporary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant