Adenoid cystic carcinomas of minor salivary glands

Objectives

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare epithelioid tumor with different prognostic factors relating to overall survival. This study aims to analyze the prognostic factors, outcome and the value of surgical therapy on recurrent disease.

Materials and methods

From 1992 to 2006, a total of 33 patients with ACC originating in minor salivary glands of the oral cavity were clinicopathologically reviewed. Clinical and histological data was analyzed by univariate analysis using the log-rank test.

Results

64% of patients had a low-grade and 36% had a high grade disease. The 2-, 5- and 10-year survivals were 89.7%, 62.1% and 54.2%. The T category (p = 0.001), N category (p = 0.027), UICC stage (p < 0.0001), and resection margins (p = 0.024) influenced survival. Salvage treatment influenced patient's overall survival (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study confirms that in ACC T category, N category, UICC stage, and resection margin status correlates well with prognosis. Salvage surgery of patients with recurrent ACC should be performed if possible as the survival is significantly increased.