Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Risk Factors

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 12/2021

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). Use the menu to see other pages.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The cause(s) of AdCC is not known at this time, and risk factors for this type of cancer have not been proven consistently with scientific research. There is some evidence that a specific gene called the p53 tumor suppressor gene is somehow inactivated in advanced and aggressive forms of AdCC. The p53 gene limits cell growth by monitoring the rate at which cells divide. Research is ongoing to learn more about this.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and SignsIt explains what changes or medical problems AdCC can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.