Acinic cell carcinoma of minor salivary glands - case report

Salivary gland tumors have a high incidence (90%) within the parotid gland. The acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) represents only 1-3% of the salivary gland tumors, most frequently affecting the parotid. The minor salivary glands rarely develop ACC and when the ACC is localized in these glands, generally, it has a less aggressive evolution. The main criterion in the diagnostic of ACC is the histological examination with the regular Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and additionally Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) special staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) examination confirms the origin of the tumor cells and the cellular proliferation index. Therapeutic management consists of surgical excision and radiotherapy. Left jugular tumor was the clinical diagnosis in the case we presented. The computed tomography (CT) examination revealed a voluminous expansive process of the left cheek. Surgery was performed with tumor resection and the skin defect was threatened. The histopathological (HP) and IHC exams have established the diagnosis of minor salivary glands adenocarcinoma with increased tumor proliferation index. The evolution was unfavorable to tumor recurrence in a short time of one year.