Adenoid cystic carcinoma in palate and maxillary sinus.

a tumor in the mouth with a central ulcer, located on the hard and soft palate, measuring approximately 6cm (Figure 1A). A panoramic radiograph showed bone lysis in teeth 25 to 28, maxillary sinus involvement and extension into the floor of the orbit. (Figure 1B). A biopsy was made and the specimen was sent to the Pathology Unit. Histopathology revealed a malignant gland epithelial neoplasm characterized by basaloid cell proliferation arranged in nests and solid trabecules. Some nests had central necrosis (Figure 1C). Nuclear pleomorphism, evident nucleoli and mitosis were seen (Figure 1D). The diagnosis was the solid variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient was referred to the Head & Neck Surgery Unit. Radiotherapy was to be followed by surgical removal of the tumor. The patient, however, died before treatment, due to the tumor.