Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare cancer that affects the salivary glands in the mouth and throat, causing painless tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include numbness, sore throat, fatigue, and weakness. Diagnosis is made through physical exams and imaging tests, and treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, with chemotherapy or radiation used in more advanced cases.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that usually affects the salivary glands in the mouth and throat. It typically manifests as a painless tumor in the mouth that can eventually spread to the lungs or other parts of the body. As the tumor grows, it can cause numbness in the tongue or face muscles, sore throat, fatigue and weakness. Doctors aren’t sure of the exact causes of adenoid cystic carcinoma, and it can appear in patients of any age. Surgical removal of the tumors is usually effective, although chemotherapy or radiation treatment may be needed in cases where the cancer has spread.
The salivary glands are found on and under the tongue, under the jaws, and throughout the throat. Adenoid cystic carcinoma tends to affect only one of these glands initially, although tumors in multiple locations are possible. In very rare cases, the secretory glands located in the eyes, lungs, breasts, or female reproductive tract may also be affected by adenoid cystic carcinoma.
In their early stages, most adenoid cystic carcinoma tumors are painless. They appear as masses of discolored tissue on the tongue, palate, or soft tissue in the throat. As cancer begins to spread, it tends to affect the functioning of nearby nerve cells. The result is numbness in the throat, lower jaw or tongue. An individual may also experience frequent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and a constant dull ache in the neck and chest. It is common for a person to experience muscle weakness and fatigue as the cancer continues to spread.
A doctor typically makes a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma after noticing abnormal patches of skin. Specialists can conduct X-rays, computed tomography, and MRI tests to look for physical tumors. A biopsy of salivary gland tissue can confirm the presence and type of cancerous cells. Once a tumor is found, the team of specialists can determine the best course of treatment.
In most cases, surgery is needed to completely remove a cancerous tumor. An experienced surgeon can remove malignant tumors in the neck or mouth, while leaving healthy tissue intact. A large tumor may force the surgeon to remove an entire gland to ensure that the cancer is completely eradicated. If your adenoid cystic carcinoma is in its later stages, where it has spread to your lungs, bloodstream, or other parts of your body, you may need chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Many patients are able to recover fully after treatment and future incidences of adenoid cystic carcinoma do not occur.
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