Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of extra‐salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a ubiquitous tumour which can occur in several sites of the human body. Commonly, it affects the salivary glands but also can rarely occur in various extra‐salivary locations. Aim To study the clinical and cytological features of extra‐salivary ACC on fine needle aspiration cytology. Methods In this paper, we included 27 patients with extra‐salivary ACC on fine needle aspiration cytology over a period of 5.5 years. The complete cytomorphological spectrum of extra‐salivary ACC was studied. Results The mean age of the patients was 50.2 years, with age ranging between 14 and 80 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.7 with 17 females and 10 males. The most frequent primary site was the orbit, and the most frequent sites of metastasis were liver and lung. Conclusion Cytopathologists should be alert about the full range of location as well as the cytological spectrum of extra‐salivary ACC for greater precision in diagnosis and prompt treatment.

High-grade transformation in adenoid cystic carcinoma: Can it be diagnosed on cytology? A cytohistological correlation

“…Studies have revealed that ADCC-HGT has an increased tendency for lymph node metastasis, as high as 43–57%. [ 9 ]…”

A Contemporary Review of Molecular Therapeutic Targets for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

“…The ongoing investigation of molecular abnormalities underpinning ACC that may be responsible for carcinogenesis is critical to identifying and developing novel targeted therapies. As pertains to this review, ACC is focused on tumors arising within salivary tissue; however, it is important to recall that ACC tumors may also originate in the trachea, lung, and breast, among others [ 91 ]. Therefore, advances in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and associated possible targeted therapeutics for salivary ACC may offer insights into ACC elsewhere in the body.…”