[Recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma. Review based on a case report]

The adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant epithelial glandular type neoplasia, occurring frequently in the salivary and mammary glands, and rarely in the lung, and is responsible for 0.2% of lung tumours. These tumours present a slow growth and prolonged clinical course, and are characterised by their infiltrative nature and tendency towards late local recurrence. The authors present a case of a woman with adenoid cystic lung carcinoma diagnosed after investigation of a lung nodule, submitted to surgical resection with curative intention, whose follow -up identified late recurrence, 9 years after surgery. The present case emphasises the need for a prolonged surveillance, due to the potential late recurrence of this kind of tumour. The article reviews clinical and pathological features of lung adenoid cystic carcinoma, as well as therapeutic options, namely for prevention of recurrence.