Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Palate: A Case Report and Literature Review

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) represents 10% of all salivary gland neoplasms and is the most common malignancy of the minor salivary glands. 50% occur in intraoral sites, with a definite predilection for the hard palate. Other locations include the major salivary glands, particularly the parotid, aerodigestive tract, lacrimal glands, and adnexal skin glands. This tumor frequently occurs in the fifth decade of life with a slight female predominance. It’s characterized by slow growth, a high risk of local recurrence, neural invasion and delayed distant metastasis which can lead to poor prognosis. Classical management involves surgery and subsequent radiotherapy. The histological stage, tumor location, size, and early diagnosis of the lesion are all important factors in successful treatment and patient survival. The objective of this article is to report the diagnostic and therapeutic attitude towards a palatal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma diagnosed in a woman of 61 years old, treated in the oral surgery department of the dental consultation and treatment center in Casablanca and to make an update on the data of the literature concerning this pathology.