Diagnosis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Many tests are used by doctors to detect or diagnose cancer. They also perform tests to see if cancer has migrated to other parts of the body from where it began. It's known as metastasis when this happens. Imaging examinations, for example, can reveal whether cancer has spread. Images of the inside of the body are produced via imaging tests of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Doctors may also conduct tests to determine which treatments are most effective.

A biopsy is the only guaranteed way for a doctor to know if a part of the body contains cancer in most types of cancer. A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes a small sample of tissue to be tested in a laboratory. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may recommend further tests to aid in the diagnosis.

Also Read: Symptoms of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

The options for diagnosing adenoid cystic carcinoma are described in this section. Not every person will be subjected to all of the tests described below. When choosing a diagnostic test, your doctor may take into account the following factors:

• The cancer kind that has been suspected.
• Describe your indications and symptoms.
• Your age and overall well-being.
• The outcomes of previous medical tests.

The following tests, in addition to a physical examination, may be performed to diagnose AdCC:

Biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests may indicate the presence of cancer, but only a biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis. The material is next examined by a pathologist (s). The material is next examined by a pathologist (s). A pathologist is a clinician who specializes in diagnosing disease by interpreting laboratory tests and assessing cells, tissues, and organs. Even for skilled pathologists, salivary gland pathology can be challenging. This is why it's critical to have the tissue analyzed by a head and neck pathologist who is familiar with salivary diagnosis.

Also Read: Treatments for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

A fine needle biopsy or surgical removal of part or all of the tumour are two options for doing the biopsy. Fine needle aspiration, or FNA, is another name for a fine needle biopsy. A tiny needle is used to retrieve fluid and cells from the questionable location during this process. Adenoid cystic carcinoma tumours have a specific architecture in which epithelial cell bundles encircle and/or invade ducts or glandular structures within the organ. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is frequently diagnosed after the surgical excision of a tumour that was formerly deemed to be benign.

Imaging tests are performed. Before surgery, imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan can assist doctors in seeing the size and position of the tumour. If the tumour has migrated to other parts of the body, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be employed.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging that (MRI). Magnetic fields, not X-rays, are used in an MRI to provide detailed images of the body. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to determine the tumours size. Before the scan, a specific dye called a contrast medium is administered to create a crisper image. This dye can be injected into a patient's vein or given to them in the form of a tablet or drink. An MRI is quite useful for detecting the spread of AdCC perineurally. The tumours proliferation along nerve branches is known as the perineural spread.

• CT (computed tomography) is a type of imaging that uses a (CT or CAT scan). A CT scan uses X-rays captured from various angles to create images of the inside of the body. These images are combined by a computer into a detailed, three-dimensional image that reveals any anomalies or malignancies. A CT scan can be performed to determine the size of the tumour. Before the scan, a specific dye called a contrast medium is sometimes used to improve image detail. This dye can be injected into a patient's vein or given to them in the form of a tablet or drink.

• PET or PET-CT scan is a type of positron emission tomography (PET). A PET scan is frequently paired with a CT scan, which is referred to as a PET-CT scan. However, your doctor may refer to this technique simply as a PET scan. The patient is given a small amount of radioactive sugar material to inject into his or her body. The cells that use the most energy absorb this sugar molecule. Cancer absorbs more of the radioactive substance since it uses energy actively. The material is then detected by a scanner, which produces images of the inside of the body.

Your doctor will go through all of the results with you after the diagnostic tests are completed. These data can assist the doctor in describing cancer if the diagnosis is cancer. This is referred to as staging.

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Reference:

1. Dillon PM, Chakraborty S, Moskaluk CA, Joshi PJ, Thomas CY. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: A review of recent advances, molecular targets, and clinical trials. Head Neck. 2016 Apr;38(4):620-7. doi: 10.1002/hed.23925. Epub 2015 Jun 16. PMID: 25487882; PMCID: PMC6166139.