Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a type of cancer that most frequently arises in the major and minor salivary glands, though it can also develop in other areas such as the lacrimal glands, skin, or respiratory tract. It is distinguished by a specific cellular structure and a characteristic pattern of perineural invasion, where the tumor cells infiltrate the spaces surrounding nerves.

This malignancy is often characterized by a prolonged clinical course and a persistent tendency to recur. While the tumor typically grows slowly, it requires long-term monitoring due to the potential for local recurrence or the development of distant metastases in other organs many years after the initial diagnosis.