Acinous Cell Carcinoma

Epidemiology

Acinous cell carcinoma (ACC) constitutes between 15 and 17% of all parotid malignancies. Eighty percent of ACCs arise in the parotid gland, 4% occur in the submandibular gland, and 10% are situated in the oral cavity. They most commonly present in adults in the fifth decade of life. However, they may be seen in all age groups and are the second most common salivary gland malignancy of childhood. ACCs may be multiple, bilateral, or both, and rank next to Warthin’s tumors in their frequency of bilateral parotid gland involvement (3%). The tumors appear to have female predominance.

Clinical Findings

The clinical presentation is nonspecific. Patients typically present with an asymptomatic mass in the parotid region.

Pathology