Acinic Cell Carcinoma Papillary-Cystic Variant: Diagnostic Pitfalls in Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

• Main Author: Uma Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2017-05-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: cytological diagnosis; neoplasms; salivary gland tumours
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/9772/21347_CE[Ra]_F(Sh)_PF1(NE_SS)_PFA(NE_SS).pdf

Acinic cell carcinoma is a rare tumour comprising 1%-3% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Acinic Cell Carcinoma Papillary Cystic Variant (ACC-PCV) is a distinct subtype and shows variegated appearance on cytology. It is important to differentiate it from other malignant lesions because of its poor prognosis. We describe a case of 20-year-old female with swelling on left cheek for the last four months. Fine needle aspiration was done and diagnosed as intermediate grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma on cytology. Histological study of the resected tumour showed features of ACC-PCV. We are presenting this case to illustrate the diagnostic problems encountered in cytology and important points to be kept in mind while reporting FNA of salivary gland tumours.