RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 35 PATIENTS WITH ACINIC CELL-CARCINOMA OF THE PAROTID-GLAND

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated data pertaining to the his tory, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of a series of patients treat ed for acinic cell carcinoma (ACC). Patients and Methods: Data were ba sed on the records of 35 patients. Followup was done by analyzing thei r records and contacting the referring doctors. Results: In 71% of the ACC patients, painfull swelling of the lateral region of the face was the main symptom. Facial paralysis occurred in 11% of cases before tr eatment. Tumor recurrence after therapy was noted in 42% of cases. Hig hly differentiated ACC was the most frequent histologic subtype (74%). The grade of differentiation of the tumor was decisive for the progno sis. Highly differentiated ACC had a better prognosis (2 years overall survival, 100%; 5 years overall survival, 83%; 10 years overall survi val, 50%) than lowly differentiated tumors (2 years overall survival, 70%; 5 years overall survival, 50%; 10 years overall survival, 30%). C onclusion: ACC is a rare tumor located mainly in the parotid gland tha t is characterized by some special attributes. Surgery is the therapy of choice. Prognosis depends mainly on the histologic subtype.