Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the glands that produce saliva. The glands are located under the tongue and on each side of the jaw below the jawbone. However, it may also grow in other parts of the throat, mouth, or the tear glands or sweat glands. In the country, approximately 1.9 million people get cancer every year, of which about 1,300 have adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Symptoms based on location
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) develops gradually and can reach other body parts before one notices the symptoms. Further, the condition can affect various parts, so the symptoms can vary depending on the location. Here are the symptoms based on the affected area:

Salivary gland: This may cause symptoms like facial drooping, facial pain, and numbness in the lips or other parts of the face.

Lacrimal gland: Here, cancer develops in the lacrimal gland, which produces tears. While most cases of this type are observed in adults, children can be affected too. In younger people, adenoid cystic carcinoma is typically less aggressive. The common symptoms of this type are swelling or pain, bulging eye or proptosis, and changes in vision.

Skin: Here, ACC typically affects the external ear canal or the scalp. A few common signs are bleeding, pus, pain, hair loss in the affected region, and increased sensitivity.

Lower respiratory tract: Here, cancer typically develops in the mucous glands of the trachea and can result in windpipe blockage. It may result in symptoms like hoarseness, stridor (wheezing or high-pitched sound while breathing in), and difficulty breathing.

Larynx: It affects the area underneath the glottis—the slit-like opening between the vocal cords. Here, one may experience symptoms like hoarseness, shortness of breath, a mass in the neck, pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, sore throat, and difficulty breathing during exertion.

Esophagus: Although rare, the condition can cause issues like regurgitating food and liquids and difficulty swallowing saliva, soft food, and drinks.

Breast: Unlike breast cancer, ACC of the breast is less aggressive and does not spread. Usually, people with this cancer develop a moveable mass in one of their breasts, typically around the areola.

Cervix: This is likely to develop after menopause. It is highly aggressive and characterized by a large cervical mass. Common symptoms here are pain, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge.

Prostate: The ACC of the prostate is a subtype of prostate adenocarcinoma, which causes poor urine flow and frequent urination.

Although rare, adenoid cystic carcinoma can affect areas other than those mentioned above.

Causes
The condition is more prevalent in women than men but can develop at any age. The precise cause is not yet known. Studies suggest that abnormal gene mutations may be one of the causes, but further research is required for confirmation.

Treatment
Surgery and radiation are the most common treatment options for ACC. While the FDA has not approved chemotherapy for the condition, when dealing with advanced stages of ACC, one may have to choose this option. Alternatively, with surgery, the doctor can remove the tumor depending on the location. Further, those undergoing surgery must receive radiation therapy to get rid of the remaining cancer cells. However, if surgery is not an option, doctors may just recommend radiation. About half of those with ACC are cured by radiation therapy and surgery.