ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA

Abstract

Some question has existed as to whether the tumors occasionally designated as adenoid cystic basal cell carcinoma are entitled to a special category. For the most part, the confusion has arisen regarding the relationship of this type of neoplasm to the following cutaneous diseases: epithelioma adenoides cysticum of Brooke and Fordyce, cystic rodent ulcer and the typical basal cell carcinoma as described by Krompecher. One must also distinguish adenoid cystic carcinomas from adenocarcinomas. Certain tumors from both cutaneous and noncutaneous sites, presumably arising from basal cells or their derivatives, possess unmistakable adenoid cystic features. Since such tumors may be classed as basal cell carcinomas, there is a general tendency to minimize their lethal qualities. The loss of life occasioned by their possible widespread dissemination, or by direct extension into internal parts, is a point that I wish to emphasize and which induces a review of the subject at this time.