Acinic cell carcinoma of minor salivary gland origin.

The occurrence of acinic cell carcinoma in the minor salivary glands appears to be exceptional. A review of the English language literature revealed about 80 previously reported cases. In this paper, the clinical behaviour and pathological findings in three cases are reported. The tumours took their origin from the hard palate, soft palate and lower lip. The three cases presented with malignant clinical behaviour; all three recurred. In one case the local recurrence was multinodular with capsular infiltration. Two cases developed regional lymph node metastasis, and one metastasized to the lung and liver. In one the tumour infiltrated bony structures, and nerve in another. These cases tend to support the belief of some authors that acinic cell 'tumours' are clinically malignant and should be included in the carcinoma group.