Clinicoepidemiological profile of adenoid cystic carcinoma: Experience from a tertiary care oncology center in Kashmir, India

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively rare tumor mostly involving head and neck region of the body. Due to lack of high-quality evidence, optimal treatment is still controversial and continues to evolve over time. Aim and Objectives: To analyze the clinicoepidemiological profile of ACC in Kashmir. Materials and Methods: Data of 30 patients, who were treated in the Regional Cancer Center at She-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University, Srinagar) between January 2015 and December 2019, were reviewed with respect to their demographic and clinical profile. Results: The study included 30 patients with ACC. The mean age at presentation was 55 ± 12.15 years. There were 10 (33.3%) males and 20 (66.6%) females. Among salivary gland ACC s, sublingual gland (06/30, 20%) was the most common site followed by parotid gland (05/30, 16.7%). Nonhead and neck primary ACC cases were reported from lung (6.7%) and breast (6.7%). Majority of the patients presented in stage-III (43.3). Only 5 patients presented with distant metastasis. All patients were subjected to surgery. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given in 18 patients (60%). Three patients received all three modalities (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). The overall one year survival was 96%. However, the mean & median survivals reported were 24 & 18 months respectively. Surgery with negative surgical margin is the first choice of treatment for the patients with ACC. Our findings show that the prognosis of patients with ACC in our center is comparable to other parts of country. Conclusion: ACC has locally aggressive behavior. Adjuvant radiotherapy improves local control in locally advanced disease. Longer follow-up is mandatory in view of incidence of late metastasis.