A 40-year-old woman presents with a 2 cm submucosal mass in the posterior hard palate. Biopsy reveals a malignant salivary gland tumor. Which of the following is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor arising in the minor salivary glands of the palate?
- A Adenoid cystic carcinoma ✓
- B Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- C Adenocarcinoma, NOS
- D Acinic cell carcinoma
Correct answer: A. Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Explanation
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common malignant minor salivary gland tumor overall and particularly in the palate. While mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor overall (including parotid), in minor salivary glands, adenoid cystic carcinoma predominates. Minor salivary gland tumors have a higher malignancy rate (approximately 50-80%) compared to parotid tumors. Acinic cell carcinoma predominantly occurs in the parotid gland and is rare in minor salivary glands.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.