adenocystic carcinoma, an uncommon malignant neoplasm composed of cords of uniform small epithelial cells arranged in a sievelike pattern around cystic spaces that often contain mucus. The tumor occurs most frequently in the salivary glands, breast, mucous glands of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and, occasionally, in vestibular glands of the vulva. The malignant slow growth tends to spread along nerves, causing neurological damage. Facial paralysis often results from adenocystic carcinoma of the salivary gland. Blood-borne metastases to lungs and liver have been reported. Standard treatment involves surgery followed by radiation. Also called adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenomyoepithelioma, cribriform carcinoma, cylindroma.
