Adenoid cystic carcinoma also referred to as AdCC or ACC, is one of the rare form of cancers that surprisingly many people today have the misfortune of experiencing. Most of us are used to hearing about the more common carcinomas including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. While all of these illnesses are serious and possibly detrimental, it is imperative that people are aware and educated about the more uncommon forms of cancers.
This carcinoma is a unique disorder due to the fact it can develop at rapid rates throughout different parts of the human body. It can not only spread at regions around the neck, head, lungs, and breasts, but it also has the ability to impair DNA. This, among other key factors, makes it an extremely potent disorder.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast
A soar breast mass located in the milk ducts or breast glands have often resulted in breast cancer, one of today's leading types of cancers. Although still a serious carcinoma, AdCC of the breast has a more affirmative prognosis than other cancers, due to the limited involvement of lymph nodes, making treatment a fairly simple process. The main treatment method applied is mastectomy, in other words, removal of the tumor. It is always a good idea for females to get frequent breast check ups from their family doctor.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Prognosis
Medical trained professionals are the best people to learn whether or not you are suffering from adenoid cystic carcinoma. Their opinion should not be taken lightly as they will do all they can to provide you with the best treatment options and support in order to help fight off the disease. Histology can play a role in the prognosis of AdCC and it is important for patient's to consider even further investigation of their medical diagnosis based on their current cancer stage. Anything from assessing the DNA nuclear content to help determine any tumor recurrence to frequent visits to the specialist should be taken into consideration.
AdCC Symptoms
Symptoms involved with AdCC include any of the following:
- lesions (painful and painless)
- attack of nerve cells
- sensory abnormalities
- paralysis
- muscle pain
- difficulty breathing
- changes in the voice
These are just some of the symptoms associated with adenoid cystic carcinoma and may not actually be an indication of cancer. Always best to check with your physician.
AdCC Treatment
There are different forms of AdCC treatment and are dependent on certain factors. Such factors may involve the overall health of the patient, the cancer stage, and possibly side effects. Surgery, however, is the treatment of choice, which involves the removal of the margin, better known as the removal of the tumor itself and its surrounding tissue. Adenoid cystic carcinoma treatment can be in the form of external-beam radiation therapy in addition to neutron and proton radiation therapy. They involve the use of protons as opposed to x-rays, where a substantial amount of damage to the cancerous cells is applied by the use of energy delivered at a much more powerful intensity.
Cancerous tumors are prone to further developing to other body parts, making these neoplasms very dangerous. Consequently, the spread of growth tumors can create life-threatening ramifications. It is crucial that people continue to learn as much as they can about this rare disease, especially if they feel they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
