Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

People with AdCC may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with AdCC do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your doctor.         

The initial symptoms of AdCC depend on the location of the tumor. Early lesions of the salivary glands may appear as painless, usually slow-growing masses underneath the normal lining of the mouth or skin of the face. Because there are many salivary glands under the mucosal lining of the mouth, throat, and sinuses, lumps in these locations could be from this type of tumor. Other symptoms may include:

• A lump on the palate, under the tongue, or in the bottom of the mouth
• An abnormal area on the lining of the mouth
• Numbness of the upper jaw, palate, face, or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Dull pain
• A bump or nodule in front of the ear or underneath the jaw
• Paralysis of a facial nerve

Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.