Acinic cell carcinoma natural history, complications and prognosis

Natural History, Complications & Prognosis

Acinic cell carcinoma is a slow growing tumor
Tumor may affect the facial nerve or other adjacent tissues depending on its location
Prognosis is most favorable when the parotid gland is involved
Progression of acinic cell carcinoma is slow but it may involve adjacent tissues if not treated adequately.
Acinic cell carcinoma can spread to adjacent organs and eventually be lethal if not intervened on time.
The prognosis is more favorable when the tumor is in a major salivary gland; the parotid gland is most favorable, followed by the submandibular gland
The least favorable primary sites are the sublingual and minor salivary glands
Large bulky tumors or high-grade tumors carry a least favorable or poor prognosis and may best be treated by surgical resection combined with postoperative radiation therapy