Rapidly Progressing Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

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Abstract
Intracranial metastases of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in the submaxillary salivary gland occurred in a 36-year-old woman two years after onset of the disease. This is an unusual site for spread of this tumor, having occurred in only 3.0% of reported cases, and is particularly unusual at such an early stage of the disease. Appearance of the intracranial lesion was followed within six months by the death of the patient, with extensive metastases to intrathoracic, intraabdominal, and retroperitoneal viscera. Although adenoid cystic carcinoma is characteristically a tumor of uniform cytologic morphology and pattern, the present tumor was poorly differentiated and showed an unusual degree of cell pleomorphism. The propensity of this tumor for metastases to regional lymph nodes and distant sites indicates the necessity for early radical surgery if the disease is to be controlled.

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