What are the symptoms of adenoid cystic carcinoma?

Updated on

What are the symptoms of adenoid cystic carcinoma?

Adenoid cystic carcinoma can affect several different body parts and systems. ACC symptoms vary significantly depending on the area of your body that’s affected.

ACC of the salivary gland

Symptoms may include:

  • Facial pain.
  • Facial drooping.
  • Numbness in your lip or other areas of your face.

ACC of the lacrimal gland

Some people develop adenoid cystic carcinoma in the gland that produces tears. (Note: Most cases occur in adults, but some have been diagnosed in children. ACC is usually less aggressive when it develops in young people.) Possible symptoms include:

  • Vision changes.
  • Proptosis (bulging eye).
  • Pain, swelling.

ACC of the skin

When adenoid cystic carcinoma forms in the skin, it most commonly affects the scalp or the external ear canal. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain.
  • Pus.
  • Bleeding.
  • Increased sensitivity.
  • Hair loss in the affected area.

ACC of the lower respiratory tract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lower respiratory tract usually forms in the mucous glands of your trachea. This can cause gradual blockage of your windpipe, resulting in:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Stridor (a high-pitched, wheezing sound when breathing in).
  • Hoarseness.

ACC of the larynx

ACC tumors of the larynx (voice box) can affect the area directly below the glottis — the slit-like opening between the vocal cords. People with this condition may have a range of symptoms, including:

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
  • Difficulty breathing during exertion.
  • Hoarseness.
  • Voice changes.
  • Sore throat (pharyngitis).
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • A mass in the neck.
  • Pain.

ACC of the esophagus

Adenoid cystic carcinoma can also develop in your esophagus, though it’s rare. When this occurs, you may have:

  • Difficulty swallowing liquids, soft foods and even saliva.
  • Regurgitation of liquids and food.
  • Weight loss associated with the inability to keep foods and liquids down.

ACC of the breast

Unlike other forms of breast cancer, ACC of the breast is usually less aggressive. In most cases, it’s not likely to spread. People with this type of adenoid cystic carcinoma typically develop a moveable mass in one breast, usually near the areola (the dark area of skin around your nipple).

ACC of the cervix

People can develop adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix, usually after menopause. It’s very aggressive and is characterized by a large cervical mass. Symptoms may include:

  • Vaginal discharge.
  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Pain.

ACC of the prostate

When ACC forms in the prostate, it’s considered a subtype of prostate adenocarcinoma. Potential symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination.
  • Poor urine flow.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma can also affect other areas of your body, though these cases are rarer.

Related posts