acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary gland

Last reviewed 01/2018

The acinic cell carcinoma is derived from serous acinar cells and is found almost exclusively in the parotid gland. About 70% are found in women. They account for 1% of all salivary tumours.

It is treated aggressively, by radical excision. In the parotid, this amounts to a superficial parotidectomy.

Acinic cell carcinoma is a low grade tumour and post - operative radiotherapy is not necessary. It grows slowly and metastasizes late. The prognosis after treatment is good with a 90% 5 year survival rate.