Metastatic-adenoid cystic carcinoma of the major salivary glands presenting as a spinal cord tumor

An adenoid cystic carcinoma (cylindroma) of the sub-mandibular salivary gland presented 17 years after diagnosis with a compressive syndrome of the spinal cord as well as a local recurrence. This is the first reported case of such an occurence. The literature is reviewed concerning other malignant tumors of the salivary glands presenting in this way. Fifteen cases of mixed salivary-gland tumors are reviewed. Evidence of histologic change from one tumor type to another and the mechanism of spread to the vertebral column is discussed.