title: Adenoid cystic carcinoma.
abstract: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant tumor with a deceptively benign histologic appearance characterized by indolent, locally invasive growth with high propensity for local recurrence and distant metastasis. The tumor is composed of basaloid cells with small, angulated, and hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm arranged into 3 prognostically significant patterns: cribriform, tubular, and solid. Some tumors undergo dedifferentiation into a high-grade form. Numerous studies have attempted to elucidate accurate histologic prognostic features but have often yielded conflicting results. Microarray analysis and gene expression profiling have provided new potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. However, tumor grade, stage, lymph node metastasis, invasion of major nerves, and margin status remain the most consistent predictors of prognosis. The combination of surgery and postoperative radiation therapy has improved locoregional control of the disease. Despite this achievement, late local recurrence and distant metastasis rates remain high and may occur decades after initial diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School and University of Texas Medical Center-Houston, Houston, Texas 77030-1501, USA. jesse.jaso@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Jesse
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jaso
authors.forename: Reenu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Malhotra
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000556:secondary; D054337:Cell Dedifferentiation; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D046228:Microarray Analysis; D011379:Prognosis; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012964:Sodium