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Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyAdenoid Cystic CarcinomaNDEB AFK

Which salivary gland tumour is characterised by perineural invasion and a cribriform (Swiss cheese) histological pattern?

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Correct answer: AAdenoid cystic carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant salivary gland tumour characterised by a distinctive cribriform (Swiss cheese) pattern — cylinders of basaloid cells surrounding pseudocystic spaces containing mucoid/basophilic material. Perineural invasion is a hallmark and contributes to the poor prognosis (pain and distant metastasis). It grows slowly but relentlessly, with late distant metastases (lung). Long-term survival rates are low despite slow clinical progression.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016