What is Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC)?

Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC) is an infrequent type of cancer affecting the salivary glands, most commonly occurring in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland located right in front of the ear. It is generally recognized as a low-grade tumor, i.e., it is known to have a slow growth pattern and a good prognosis if the cancer is diagnosed and treated on time. Yet, certain cases demonstrate aggressive behavior and can recur or metastasize despite the treatment.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma is a malignant tumor derived from the acinar cells of salivary glands. The function of acinar cells is to produce digestive enzymes that are components of saliva. Therefore, the tumor arising from these cells is referred to as "Acinic" Cell Carcinoma.

Unlike other salivary gland tumors, ACC grows rather slowly and can be successfully cured in most cases.

Which Salivary Glands Are Affected by This Cancer Type?

Acinic Cell Carcinoma mainly occurs in:

• Parotid gland (around 80-90% of cases)
• Minor salivary glands (in fewer numbers)
• Submandibular gland (very rarely)
• Sublingual gland (very rarely)

The Parotid gland remains the most frequently affected.

Why Does One Get Acinic Cell Carcinoma?

The exact cause of Acinic Cell Carcinoma is not yet known.

It may possibly occur due to:

• Some changes in genes
• Past radiation exposure in the head and neck area
• Some rare hereditary causes

Smoking and drinking are not believed to increase the risk of ACC, unlike certain other head and neck cancers.

Are There Any People At Risk?

Though Acinic Cell Carcinoma can affect people of any age group, it is more common among:

• Adults of young or middle age
• Females are slightly more numerous than males.
• People without any past illness or risk factors

What Are the Symptoms of Acinic Cell Carcinoma?

The common symptoms include:

• Localized swelling around the ear or jaw
• Painless growth in the parotid area
• Moderate pain or discomfort
• Facial palsy (involvement of the facial nerve)
• Inability to open the mouth wide
• Swelling inside the mouth (minor salivary gland involvement)

Most of the time, the tumors are asymptomatic and painless for months or even years before diagnosis.

Is Acinic Cell Carcinoma Always a Slow-Growing Tumor?

It is mostly low-grade and slow-growing. However, some tumors may develop into high-grade tumors (dedifferentiation).

This makes the cancer more aggressive and increases the chances of recurrence and metastasis.

Therefore, all diagnosed cases require a full investigation and proper management.

How is Acinic Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by both clinical examination and investigations.

Clinical Examination

This is performed by an ENT or a head and neck surgeon who checks:

• Size and location of swelling
• Facial nerve status
• Neck lymph nodes

Imaging Investigations

They can include:

• USG
• Contrast-enhanced CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET-CT scan (selected advanced cases)

This helps evaluate the extent of the tumor and plan surgery.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

FNAC is usually performed to obtain cells from the swelling and help formulate a pre-surgical diagnosis.

Core Needle Biopsy

In some cases, more tissue might be required for confirmation.

Histopathological Evaluation

After excision of the tumor, histopathology is done to determine:

• Tumor grade
• Tumor margins
• Lymphovascular invasion
• Perineural invasion
• Disease staging

What Are The Treatment Options Of Acinic Cell Carcinoma?

It will depend upon:

• Size of the tumor
• Site of the tumor
• Stage of the tumor
• Histopathological features
• General condition of the patient

Surgery

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

Based on the nature of the tumor, the following procedures can be done:

• Superficial Parotidectomy
• Total Parotidectomy
• Excision of minor salivary gland tumors

The surgeon tries to spare the facial nerve whenever possible.

Neck Dissection

Lymph node dissection should not be done in the absence of:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Any imaging showing lymph node involvement
• Aggressive tumor characteristics

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy could be indicated in the case of:

• Presence of positive or narrow margins
• Significantly large tumor
• Perineural invasion
• High-grade transformation
• Predilection for spreading out of the glands

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is not needed in localized acinic cell carcinoma; however, it may be used for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic disease.

Can Acinic Cell Carcinoma Metastasize?

Yes, although in most cases, low-grade acinic cell carcinoma remains localized.

Metastases could include:

• Neck lymph nodes
• Lungs
• Bones
• Liver

High-grade Acinic cell carcinoma is more likely to metastasize.

What is Prognosis for Acinic Cell Carcinoma ?

Acinic Cell Carcinoma usually has a very good prognosis, especially if detected in its early stage.

Prognosis is dependent upon:

• Tumor size
• Tumor grade
• Tumor complete resection
• Surgical margins
• Recurrence
• Distant metastasis

Almost all patients with early-stage acinic cell carcinoma survive after proper treatment.

What Next After Treatment of Acinic Cell Carcinoma ?

Follow-up is necessary since recurrences can happen, sometimes even many years after initial treatment.

Follow-up includes:

• Clinical examination
• US/CT/MRI when needed
• Checking the status of the facial nerves
• Checking for recurrences or metastasis

One should report immediately if one notices any new swelling or facial paresis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Acinic Cell Carcinoma Curable?

Yes. Most patients can be cured by surgery if they have local disease and are diagnosed early enough.

Is Acinic Cell Carcinoma a Fast-Growing Cancer?

Usually, it is not. This type of cancer grows slowly.

Can Acinic Cell Carcinoma recur after surgery?

Yes. Even though it does not happen often, it can still happen; that’s why follow-up is necessary.

Is it mandatory to have radiation therapy in all cases?

No. It is done only in select cases with risk factors such as positive margins, large tumors, high-grade change, or recurrence.

Is there a chance of preservation of the facial nerve?

Yes. The surgeons will try to keep the facial nerve when it is not directly affected by the tumor.

Are young adults susceptible to Acinic Cell Carcinoma?

Yes. Compared with many other cancers, Acinic Cell Carcinoma is among the most common cancers in younger adults.

How to Prevent and reduce risk of Acinic Cell Carcinoma ?

Acinic Cell Carcinoma cannot be prevented as of yet. However, any lump that appears near the ear, the jaw, or inside the mouth needs to be evaluated by a specialist. Early detection is always beneficial.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC) Treatment in Lucknow ,India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC) treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced head and neck surgeons and oncology specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-surgical and surgical treatment options including surgical resection, radiation therapy, and comprehensive oncological management. Our Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC) in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert consultation for Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC) Treatment in Lucknow ,India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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