Acinic cell carcinoma (salivary glands)
Updates to Article Attributes
Acinic cell carcinomas of the salivary glands are rare malignant neoplasms that account for 1-3% of all salivary gland tumours.
Pathology
Pathology may superficially resemble normal serous (acinar) cells of the salivary glands. It is considered a low-grade, indolent malignancy, but with a tendency to recur after excision 4.
Location
The majority arise in the parotid gland (81-98% 3) and they may be bilateral and multicentric.
Radiographic features
Imaging findings in acinic cell carcinoma are non-specific and there is an overlap with benign tumors such as Warthin tumor and pleomorphic adenoma 6.
CT
- non-specific appearance
- hypoattenuating regions of central necrosis
- irregular enhancing solid component
MRI
- non-specific appearance
- T2 hyperintense cystic/necrotic component
- solid component is also mildly T2 hyperintense
- well-marginated
- irregular solid component that enhances on the postcontrast sequence
Features that might suggest malignancy include:
- lymphadenopathy
- rapid increase in size
- clinical history of pain
Treatment and prognosis
Surgical excision is considered the standard of care. Acinic cell carcinomas may recur in up to 35% of patients 5.
Differential diagnosis
Possible differential considerations include:
- Warthin tumour: much more common
- pleomorphic adenoma: much more common
- mucoepidermoid carcinoma: more common than acinic cell
- adenoid cystic carcinoma: more common than acinic cell
See also
-
acinic cell carcinoma
- acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary glands
- acinic cell carcinoma of the lung
-<li><a href="/articles/acinic-cell-carcinoma-of-the-lung">acinic cell carcinoma of the lung</a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/acinic-cell-carcinoma-lung">acinic cell carcinoma of the lung</a></li>
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