Outcomes in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A 14-Year Analysis

Abdulrahman Bin Sumaida ¹, Nandan M Shanbhag ^2,3, Khalifa AlKaabi ^2,4

⁰Oncology: Radiation Oncology, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, ARE.

Cureus +

|

January 6, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) primarily affects middle-aged adults, presenting with frequent local recurrence and lung metastases. Further research is needed to clarify prognostic factors influencing survival in ACC patients.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Cancer Research
Epidemiology

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy known for its slow progression.
ACC is characterized by a propensity for local recurrence and distant metastases.

Purpose Of The Study

To analyze demographic patterns, clinical presentations, and outcomes of ACC patients.
To evaluate survival trends in patients diagnosed with ACC.
To identify potential prognostic factors for ACC.

Main Methods

Retrospective analysis of 14 ACC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2024.
Data collected included demographics, symptoms, tumor characteristics, recurrence, and survival.
Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to assess survival trends.

Main Results

The study cohort was predominantly male (64.3%) with a mean age of 38.9 years.
The most common symptom was an enlarging neck mass (50%).
High rates of local recurrence (42.9%) and distant metastases (42.9%), primarily to the lungs (83.3%), were observed. Advanced-stage disease (Stage III/IV) was prevalent (64.3%).

Conclusions

ACC commonly affects middle-aged individuals and presents with significant rates of recurrence and metastasis.
While survival trends suggested variations by gender, smoking, and metastasis, these were not statistically significant.
Larger studies are required to definitively establish prognostic factors in adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Keywords:

adenoid cystic carcinoma disease-free survival oncology overall survival prognostic factors recurrence patterns retrospective study salivary gland tumors survival analysis treatment modalities

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