Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck area: Oncologic treatment and plastic-reconstructive options

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck area is a rare malignant tumor with acceptable short-term but mediocre long-term prognosis. Radical tumor excision with clear resection margins, and sometimes resection of the facial nerve due to perineural growth, remains the fundamental therapy. We present 3 distinct clinical cases and discuss the current therapeutic options with special focus on plastic-reconstructive techniques. For reconstruction, the full armament of local and free flaps, as well as prosthetics, may be necessary. Adjuvant radiotherapy increases local control in advanced stages or close resection margins. However, systemic treatment options are limited. Further multicenter clinical trials are necessary due to the rare occurrence of the tumor.