Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Late Recurrences Beyond Five Years in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Implications for Long-Term Surveillance
Prarthana J Dalal1, Sarah M Dermody2, Haadi Ali1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA.
Objective:
Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare head and neck malignancy with limited surveillance guidelines. ACC disease patterns are quite variable and unpredictable. Herein, we present an institutional retrospective review of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and discuss patterns and predictors of recurrence.
Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Setting:
Single Quaternary Care Referral Center.
Methods:
We analyzed 102 adult patients with salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma between 1988 and 2019. Patient and tumor-related characteristics are summarized, and recurrence, survival, and metastatic site data are described.
Results:
Multivariable analysis showed that greater than 30% solid pathology was independently predictive of recurrence (HR 5.32, CI 2.23-12.66). Advanced stage disease (stages III and IV) was also predictive of recurrence (HR 3.77, CI 1.57-9.03). Nearly one-third of all patients experienced distant recurrence. Among patients experiencing distant recurrence, 29% were diagnosed with distant recurrence more than 5 years post-treatment.
Conclusion:
These data support long-term surveillance and clinical follow-up for patients with ACC.
