Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) is a tumor in the salivary glands. This rare type of cancer can also affect the mouth, throat, or other body parts, such as the sweat or tear glands. Adenoid cystic carcinoma can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher in people between the ages of 40 and 60, especially in women. Here are the causes, symptoms, and treatment for a better understanding of this rare cancer.

Symptoms
The symptoms of adenoid cystic carcinoma will depend on where the tumor is located and its size. Some of these symptoms are mentioned below based on where they are located:

• Tumors of the salivary gland
  The first sign of adenoid cystic carcinoma is a painless lump or tumor under the tongue or inside the cheek that may be round and hollow. It grows slowly and does not hurt but may cause trouble swallowing. Advanced tumors can spread along nerves, causing pain or numbness in the face.
• Tumors of the lacrimal gland
  A tumor in the lacrimal gland can cause bulging eyes and affect vision.
• Tumors in the larynx and trachea
  People with tumors of the larynx and trachea may experience voice changes, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
• Tumors of the skin
  A tumor that forms in the skin may cause symptoms such as pain, pus or bleeding, increased sensitivity, and hair loss in the affected area.
• Tumors of the breast
  There is a slow-growing, moveable lump in one breast that may cause pain.
• Tumors of the cervix
  Women can develop adenoid cystic carcinoma after menopause. The tumor is usually aggressive and may develop as a large mass. The symptoms include vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, and pain.
• Tumors of the prostate
  Adenoid cystic carcinoma can also affect the prostate, causing symptoms such as frequent urination and poor urine flow.

Treatment
The main line of treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma is as follows:

• Surgery
  The surgical procedure involves removing the tumor and some healthy tissue around it to ensure the cancer has not spread beyond the tumor. In some cases, nearby nerves and lymph nodes may also be removed.
• Radiation therapy
  Radiation therapy may be used if the entire tumor cannot be removed by surgery. This may also be employed after the ACC surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. There are three types of radiation therapy for ACC:
• External beam radiation
  It involves the use of high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Internal radiation therapy
  This is used when cancer has spread to the lungs. Tiny radioactive seeds are placed in or near the tumor to destroy and shrink cancer cells.
• Neutron therapy
  This therapy is suitable for small tumors. In this, high-energy neutrons that produce more heat than regular radiation are used to treat cancer.
• Chemotherapy
  This therapy is used in cases of recurrent tumors where surgery or radiation therapy is unsuitable.

Causes
Researchers are yet to find out what causes ACC. The tumor might develop from genetic changes that may happen during the patient’s lifetime.

As adenoid cystic carcinomas are slow-growing tumors, an early diagnosis can help with successful treatment. However, in some cases, even after the initial therapy, the cancer may come back either in the same place or in a different body area.