Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma?
An otolaryngologist, also called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, usually treats adenoid cystic carcinoma. This doctor is a head and neck surgeon. A radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist, doctors who treat cancer with radiation and cancer drugs, often help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is adenoid cystic carcinoma?
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare cancer that starts in the salivary glands. These glands make saliva, also called spit. Doctors call it ACC for short. The cancer grows slowly, but it is aggressive. It can grow into nerves. It often comes back after treatment.
Like other salivary gland cancers, it can be hard to treat. Because it grows near key parts of the head and neck, care from an experienced team matters.
Symptoms
Many salivary gland tumors first show up as a painless swelling. With ACC, pain and facial paralysis often develop during the course of the disease. This is likely related to nerve invasion, which means the tumor grows into nerves.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in the mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck.
- Numbness in part of the face.
- Weakness of the muscles on one side of the face.
- Pain in the mouth, cheek, jaw, ear, or neck that does not go away.
- Trouble opening the mouth all the way.
- Trouble swallowing.
Many of these problems can also be caused by noncancerous tumors or other conditions. A doctor is needed to find the cause.
Causes and who gets it
For most salivary gland cancers, doctors cannot determine the cause. Exposure to ionizing radiation, a kind of high-energy radiation, has been implicated as a cause. Some jobs are also linked to a higher risk. These include rubber products manufacturing, asbestos mining, plumbing, and some kinds of woodworking.
ACC is rare.
How doctors diagnose it
Imaging tests help find the tumor and show where it is in the head and neck. MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, is the preferred test to look at a suspected salivary gland tumor. It uses a strong magnet to make detailed pictures of soft body parts.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors take a biopsy. That is a small piece of the tumor. A pathologist, a doctor who examines tissue under a microscope, checks it to tell if the tumor is cancer and what type it is.
Treatment
The treatment plan depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. When possible, the tumor should be removed with surgery. This might mean removing some surrounding healthy tissue, muscle, or bone so the tumor is taken out entirely.
Adenoid cystic tumors are typically treated with radiation therapy, even after being fully removed with surgery. Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells that may be left behind.
If the tumor cannot be removed with surgery, doctors may try radiation, or radiation with chemotherapy or targeted drugs. Chemotherapy means cancer drugs. Targeted drugs attack specific features of cancer cells. If the cancer is in several areas of the body and is growing or causing symptoms, treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy might be options to try to slow or stop it from growing. Immunotherapy helps your immune system attack the cancer.
When to see a doctor
If you have a lump or swelling in your mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck, see a doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated if needed. Numbness or weakness from nerve involvement in a salivary gland tumor typically points to cancer. Facial weakness is an ominous sign, a serious warning that needs quick care. Pain in the face that does not go away also needs to be checked. Call 911 if you have trouble breathing, choking, or sudden weakness, sudden trouble speaking, or a sudden change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either doctor can examine a lump during an office visit and refer you to a cancer specialist. They can also coordinate your care and follow up with you during and after treatment.
Common questions
Is adenoid cystic carcinoma curable?
It depends on the tumor. Early-stage, low-grade malignant salivary gland tumors are usually curable by surgery alone. ACC is different. It tends to follow a long course, often comes back, and can spread late in the disease. For all grades, 10-year survival rates are reported to be less than 50%.
Does adenoid cystic carcinoma spread?
Yes. These cancers typically show late distant metastases, which means they can spread to far parts of the body late in the disease. When salivary gland cancer spreads, it is most likely to be found in the liver, lungs, or bones.
Why does my face hurt or feel numb?
ACC can grow into nerves. Pain and facial paralysis develop frequently during the course of the disease and are likely related to nerve invasion. Numbness or weakness caused by nerve involvement is a sign that should be checked right away.
Will I need radiation after surgery?
Adenoid cystic tumors are typically treated with radiation therapy, even after being fully removed with surgery. Your cancer team will explain the plan that fits your tumor and its location.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment (PDQ)
- American Cancer Society - Treating Salivary Gland Cancer
- American Cancer Society - Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
