Multimodality Imaging of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma With Emphasis on PET/CT

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy predominantly originating in the salivary glands, but capable of emerging in other secretory-gland-rich anatomical sites, including the reproductive tract, trachea, esophagus, and skin. Although characterized by its slow growth, ACC notably has a concerning propensity for perineural spread and is often associated with late distant metastasis. Diagnosis and management are complicated by its nonspecific presentation and often indolent nature. CT scan and MR imaging offer insights into the local extent of ACC, highlighting features such as local invasion and perineural involvement. Functional imaging with PET/CT has emerged as pivotal for both initial staging and detecting recurrence. This review underscores the integral role of multimodality imaging, especially PET/CT, in the management of ACC with improved clinical assessment and optimization of treatment strategies.