What is adenoid cystic carcinoma?

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare form of cancer, which usually affects the salivary glands in the mouth and neck. It is usually manifested as a painless tumor in the mouth, which can eventually spread to the lungs or other parts of the body. As the tumor grows, it can cause dullness in the muscles of the tongue or face, sore throat, fatigue and weakness. Doctors are not sure of the exact causes of adenoid cystic cancer and may occur in patients of any age. Surgical removal of tumors is usually effective, although chemotherapy or radiation treatment may be necessary when cancer has spread. Adenoid cystic cancer tends to initially affect only one of these glands, although tumors are possible in several places. In very rare cases, secretory glands can also be placed in the eyes, lungs, breasts or female reproductive tract also affected by adenoid cystic carcinoma.

in jThe early stages are most adenoid tumors of cystic cancer painless. They look like mass colored tissue on the tongue, roof of the mouth or soft tissue in the throat. When 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 can also experience frequent sore throat, difficult swallowing and constant dull sore throat and chest. It is common for a person to experience muscle weakness and fatigue because cancer is constantly spreading.

The doctor usually makes an adenoid cystic cancer diagnosis after he noticed abnormal skin spots. Specialists can perform X -rays, computer tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging tests to look for physical tumors. Salivary gland tissue biopsy can confirm the presence and type of cancer cells. Once a tumor detected, a team of experts can determine the best treatment.

In most cases, surgery is necessary to completeRemoving cancer tumor. An experienced surgeon can cut off malignant tumors in the throat or mouth, so healthy tissue remains intact. A large tumor can force the surgeon to remove the entire gland to ensure that the cancer is fully eradicated. If adenoid cystic cancer is in later stages where it has spread to the lungs, bloodstream or other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation treatment may be required. Many patients are able to fully recover after treatment and do not experience the future occurrence of adenoid cystic cancer.