Abstract
Thirty one cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma in the head and neck were treated in our clinic between 1982 and 1998. The patients included 17 men and 14 women, ranging in age from 32 to 77years. The main affected regions were the tongue to mouth floor, submandibular gland and maxillary sinus. The cumulative survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 86.1% and 68.5% respectively. Histologic findings were classified into three grades, Grade I: tumors with tubular and cribriform areas but without solid components, Grade II: cribriform tumors that were either pure or mixed with less than 30% solid areas, and Grade III: tumors with a predominantly solid pattern. There was no evidence that Grade III tumors were associated with a poorer prognosis in this study. The addition of postoperative radiation therapy was effective for prevention of recurrences.
