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

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.