A 48-year-old woman undergoes excision of a 3 cm firm mass of the left submandibular gland. Histopathology confirms malignancy. Which of the following is the most common malignant tumor of the SUBMANDIBULAR gland?
- A Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- B Acinic cell carcinoma
- C Adenoid cystic carcinoma ✓
- D Polymorphous adenocarcinoma
Correct answer: C. Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Explanation
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the submandibular gland and of minor salivary glands, whereas mucoepidermoid carcinoma holds that position only in the parotid. This site-wise distinction is a frequently tested trap. Adenoid cystic carcinoma also explains the typical presentation of a submandibular mass with pain or numbness along the lingual or hypoglossal nerve distribution.
Reference: Shah's Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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