A retrospective study of 18 cases of adenoid cystic cancer at a tertiary care centre in Delhi.
BACKGROUND
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm that usually arises from the salivary, lacrimal, or other exocrine glands. It is characteristically locally infiltrative in nature and has a tendency toward local recurrence, high propensity for perineural invasion, and prolonged clinical course.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the presentation and natural history of cases of adenoid cystic tumors of salivary glands in our institution; and to compare with the existing literature.


METHODS
Retrospective study at the Department of Radiotherapy.


METHODS
Data on 18 patients of ACC of the salivary glands treated between 2004 and 2008 were reviewed with respect to clinical presentation, stage, and histology.


RESULTS
There were 8 cases of major salivary gland tumors (47%), of which 2 were in the submandibular and 6 were involving the parotid. Ten patients (53%) had minor salivary gland involvement. Two patients had metastasis at the time of presentation. All patients underwent surgery. Radiotherapy was delivered to 16 patients and chemotherapy to 6 patients (concurrent, n = 3 and adjuvant, n = 3) and no adjuvant therapy was given to 2 patients. All patients were alive at a median follow-up of 3 years. No patient developed local or distant failure during the study duration.


CONCLUSIONS
ACC has locally aggressive behavior. Radiotherapy adjuvant to surgery improves local control in locally advanced disease. Longer follow-up is mandatory in view of incidence of late metastasis.
Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India. kanika@dr.com
K
K
Sharma
A K
AK
Rathi
N
N
Khurana
A
A
Mukherji
V
V
Kumar
K
K
Singh
A K
AK
Bahadur
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D011878:Radiotherapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents