Image Based Question – 69982

A 50 year old male patient presented with a parotid swelling.Histopathological examination of the swelling shows the following features.What can be the most probable diagnosis?

A. Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

B. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

C. Pleomorphic Adenomma

D. Warthin’s Tumor

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Correct Answer » B Explanation

Ans:B. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (Cylindroma)

• This is a highly malignant tumour due to its typical infiltrative nature, especially along the nerve sheaths.

• Adenoid cystic carcinoma is histologically characterised by cribriform appearance i.e. the epithelial tumour cells of duct-lining and myoepithelial cells are arranged in duct-like structures or masses of cells, having typical fenestrations or cyst-like spaces and hence the name ‘adenoid cystic’.

• These cystic spaces contain PAS-positive basophilic material .