High-grade transformation in adenoid cystic carcinoma: Can it be diagnosed on cytology? A cytohistological correlation

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ADCC) are distinctive salivary gland neoplasms with characteristic histomorphology. The diagnosis of dedifferentiation/high-grade transformation (HGT) indicates poor prognosis and is most often made on histopathology. We present a case of ADCC arising from a minor salivary gland tumor exhibiting HGT, reaching up to the submandibular gland and having lymph node metastases, suspected on fine-needle aspiration cytology. The index case highlights the awareness of the entity of the HGT of salivary gland tumors and raises suspicion for cytological diagnosis.

Keywords: Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Cytopathology; Dedifferentiation; High-grade transformation; Histopathology.