A retrospective study of 18 cases of adenoid cystic cancer at a tertiary care centre in Delhi

CONTEXT: 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. AIM: 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. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at the Department of Radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.