Adenoid cystic carcinoma lacrimal gland also known as ACC, is a slow growing but invasive cancer. ACC is a rare cancer that forms in the salivary glands or other regions of the head and neck. Primarily this cancer is found in the head and neck but also can be found in the breast, cervix for women or the prostate gland for men. This form of cancer is known for having a long period of non growth followed by short periods of growth. In rare cases it will attack aggressively. The best word to describe ACC is unpredictable.

No one knows for sure what causes this cancer. So far, the little research that has been done on ACC and information that has been noted to this point, there are no common reasons for this cancer. So genetics, smoking, asbestos and all other known cancer causing elements are suspects but do not make sense at this point. Many patients get frustrated with their doctors due to the lack of information and this is due to the rarity of the disease. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a medical oncologist which is a medical specialist as well as a surgeon and radiologist if they are needed.

The usual course of treatment for the minor salivary gland cancer is surgery in conjunction with radiotherapy which is the usual course of action for most types of cancer. It is conceivable that surgery by itself and adenoid cystic carcinoma chemotherapy by itself could also be a good course of treatment. ACC is less responsive to chemotherapy than other cancers. The other question is will the cancer come back and there are two forms that the cancer could come back and one is the adenoid cystic carcinoma metastasis and adenoid cystic carcinoma recurrence. Recurrence is at the site of the original cancer and metastasis is where the cancer has spread to other areas.

Knowledge is power so learn how to research the disease and read everything you can get your hands on. Follow all your doctor’s medical advice and directions and follow up on all treatment plans. Do not be afraid to get a second opinion because due to the rarity of ACC it is often misdiagnosis. You should also consider getting a second opinion on the treatment options if you are not satisfied with the plan. Communicate with other patients who have been diagnosis with the disease. Your doctor may have a list of other patients that want to be contacted or form a support group. There are plenty of message boards with individuals who have lived with this disease. Their knowledge and experience with doctors is invaluable so make sure to contact these message boards and if needed get an email address to follow up with a certain individual that you may have connected with. There are Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Foundations such as Kathleen Keany Memorial Foundation. You can also register with Rare Cancer Alliance Forums to find support for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.