What is polymorphous adenocarcinoma? Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a type of salivary gland cancer. Pathologists divide polymorphous adenocarcinoma into two types: conventional and cribriform. Where is polymorphous adenocarcinoma found in the body? Polymorphous adenocarcinoma typically involves one of the minor salivary glands in the oral cavity, with the most common location being the palate. Can …
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What is epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma? Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a type of salivary gland cancer. The tumour is described as a biphasic salivary gland neoplasm because it is made up of two populations of cells: ductal (luminal) cells and myoepithelial (abluminal) cells. Where is epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma found in the body? The most common location for epithelial-myoepithelial …
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What is secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands? Secretory carcinoma is a relatively uncommon type of salivary gland cancer. It is characterized by a genetic change involving the genes ETV6, RET, or NTRK3. This genetic change results in a combination or fusion of two of the three genes. A similar tumour can be found in …
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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 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 salivary duct carcinoma? Salivary duct carcinoma is a type of salivary gland cancer. Salivary duct carcinoma is an aggressive cancer that often spreads into the tissue surrounding the salivary gland and to other organs such as lymph nodes and the lungs. Where in the body is salivary duct carcinoma normally found? The most …
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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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