# Metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland with parotid and pulmonary involvement: a rare case report

**Authors:** Elias Edward Lahham, Dana Abu Naji, Sally Diab, Harun Awadallah, Shorok Mahajna, Adam Dacca, Mohand Abulihya, Jalal Qawasmeh

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf216 · Journal of Surgical Case Reports · 2025-04-15

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma in a young patient, highlighting its clinical features and treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting a rare case of ACC metastasis to the parotid gland and lungs in a young individual.

## Key findings

- ACC of the lacrimal gland metastasized to the parotid gland and lungs in a 27-year-old patient.
- The case emphasizes the aggressive nature and metastatic potential of ACC despite initial treatment.
- Clinical, radiographic, and pathological features were reviewed to guide treatment approaches.

## Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon tumor that arises mainly in the head and neck area. It represents <1% of all head and neck malignancies and about 4–10% of all salivary gland tumors. This study presents a 27-year-old patient who was found to have ACC of the lacrimal gland and was treated with surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy, came back with metastatic disease to the parotid gland and the lungs. This review explores the clinical, radiographic, and pathological characteristics of these uncommon malignant tumors, along with available treatment approaches.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** adenoid cystic carcinoma (MONDO:0004971), metastatic disease (MONDO:0024883)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** salivary gland tumors (MESH:D012468), ACC (MESH:D003528), metastatic disease (MESH:D000092182), gland (MESH:D000307), malignant tumors (MESH:D009369), head and neck malignancies (MESH:D006258)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11997645/full.md

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11997645/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11997645/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11997645