Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

From WikiGenetics

1 Name of Condition
2 Definition
3 Description, Signs and Symptoms
4 Inheritance
5 Diagnosis
6 Treatment and Management
7 Prognosis
8 Resources
9 References

[edit] Name of Condition

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC)

[edit] Definition

AdCC is a rare form of cancer that can present itself in various areas of the body but most often occurs within the secretory glands of the head and neck. AdCC spreads along the nerves as “sheaths” or coatings, or through the bloodstream. ACC is a slow-growing but aggressive type of cancer that has a tendency to recur at the initial site of development and spread to other bodily sites, particularly the lungs, causing potentially life-threatening complications.

[edit] Description, Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of AdCC vary depending on the site of origin of the tumor. Earlier cases on the salivary glands tend to be characterized with masses around the face or mouth that are painless, but advanced tumors tend to be more painful or result in nerve paralysis. AdCC that has spread to the lungs presents respiratory symptoms, while tumors that have spread to the larynx cause speech complications.

[edit] Inheritance

No specific genetic or environmental factors have been recognized. Development of AdCC does, however, cause DNA damage as most cancers do, but any further studies on more specific genetic abnormalities associated with this form of cancer are unknown.

[edit] Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AdCC is made through histologic analysis of a biopsy sample from a tumor mass. There are three growth patterns that AdCC undergoes which help in diagnosing a patient: cribriform, tubular, and solid. A more advanced and aggressive form of AdCC is associated with a solid pattern of growth. Recurrences can be found through radiographic imaging technologies.

[edit] Treatment and Management

Treatment of AdCC involved Surgical resection whenever possible, and postoperative radiotherapy to track any possible recurrences. There is no current chemotherapy effective for metastatic and/or unresectable AdCC.