Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, an Enigma Unfolded: A Case Series

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare, slow-growing cancer that typically affects the salivary glands in the head and neck area and accounts for only 1% of all head and neck malignancies. The cancer tends to spread around nerves and can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. In this case series, we present three rare cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma. The first case involved a 65-year-old woman with follicular adenocarcinoma of the oral mucosa, which was successfully managed with surgery involving resection and removal of the upper jaw, followed by reconstruction of the temporal muscle. The second case involved a patient with nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma who received maxillary surgery and radiation therapy. The third case was a rare case of adenoid cystic carcinoma at the posterior edge of the tongue, which was treated with mandibular surgery and partial tongue resection. All three cases were followed up for an extended period, and there was no recurrence observed. Based on our experience and that of other authors, we conclude that surgery is the primary treatment for head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma, and radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also be used.