Myoepithelial carcinoma is a type of salivary gland cancer made up almost entirely of myoepithelial cells. The salivary glands are a group of small organs found predominantly in the head and neck. Most tumours are found in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland located in the neck just under the ear. About this article …
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What is carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma? Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is a type of salivary gland cancer that develops from within a previously noncancerous tumour called pleomorphic adenoma. What does ex pleomorphic adenoma mean? In pathology, carcinoma is a general term used to describe a group of cancerous tumours made up of epithelial cells while …
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What is non-intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma? Non-intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC) is a rare type of head and neck cancer. The tumour starts from the tissue that lines the inside of the nasal cavity or the paranasal sinuses such as the ethmoid or maxillary sinus. Pathologists divide non-intestinal-type SNAC into two grades, low and high, with high-grade …
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What is acinic cell carcinoma? Acinic cell carcinoma is a type of salivary gland cancer. This tumour is most commonly found in the parotid gland; however, it can be found in any of the major or minor salivary glands that are located throughout the head and neck. A similar tumour can also be found in …
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What is mucosal melanoma? Mucosal melanoma is a type of cancer made up of abnormal melanocytes. In the head and neck, the tumour starts from a thin layer of tissue called mucosa which covers the inside the mouth (oral cavity), nose (nasal cavity), paranasal sinuses (maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, frontal sinus, and sphenoid sinus), and …
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What is hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma? Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a slow-growing type of head and neck cancer. A genetic alteration involving the EWSR1 gene is found in most HCCCs. Where is hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma normally found? Most HCCCs tumours arise from minor salivary glands which are normally found in the lip, …
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What is adenoid cystic carcinoma? Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a slow-growing but locally aggressive type of cancer most commonly found in the head and neck. Other possible locations include the skin, lungs, breasts, and prostate gland. How does adenoid cystic carcinoma spread? ACC grows slowly but spreads widely into surrounding tissues. However, unlike other …
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What is mucoepidermoid carcinoma? Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a type of salivary gland cancer. The most common location for mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the parotid gland, however, any of the major or minor salivary glands can be affected. Although rare, this type of tumour can also be found in other organs such as the lungs and …
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