Acinic cell tumor of the minor salivary glands

The histologic characteristics and clinical features of six new cases of ACT of the minor salivary glands are reported. These neoplasms accounted for 3.8% of all the minor salivary gland tumors examined by our service. Three cell types were identified: acinar, vacuolated, and intercalated duct-cell. Those cell types were organized in three growth patterns: solid, papillary, and microcystic. Tumor cells were PAS positive both before and after treatment with diastase. Occasionally, they were slightly positive to mucicarmine staining. According to our study, ACT occurs in adult life, apparently without sex preference. Asymptomatic swelling was the most frequent presenting symptom; however, on occasion pain and ill-fitting dentures were reported. Most of the tumors in were described as fixed soft tissue masses, less than 1.5 cm in diameter. No recurrences or metastases were seen in any of the patients for a mean period of four years. Simple surgical removal was the therapeutic measure used in all cases.