Diagnosis
How We Can Help You
Adenoid cystic carcinomas are rare cancers that develop from the salivary glands and may spread along nerve fibers to the base of the skull or brain. They are typically treated first with surgery and then radiation therapy.
Stanford is a global referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA
- Globally-recognized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinomas.
- Team-based treatment planning that brings together specialists from neuroradiology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, and more.
- Advanced treatment options usually begin with scarless endoscopic surgery through the nostril and follow with radiation therapy,
- Comprehensive support services like occupational or physical rehabilitation, nutritional and emotional support to help you with your specific symptoms and the challenges of this experience.
- An active clinical research program dedicated to broadening options for the diagnosis and treatment of adenoid cystic carcimona.
- Assistance from our International Medical Services team to plan your travel and accommodations.
Treatment Options for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Adenoid cystic carcinomas are rare, slow growing cancers, so treatment at a high-volume academic medical center by highly specialized head and neck and skull base surgeons and radiation oncologists is important for the best outcomes.
Our team of skull base neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists work together to develop an individualized treatment plan for your needs, utilizing treatment strategies that preserve quality of life.
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Drug Therapy
For patients with larger tumors, the treatment recommended is endoscopic endonasal surgery with the preservation of vital structures, followed by radiation. We use treatment strategies that preserve quality of life.
Radiation therapy is commonly recommended after surgery, because tumor cells are known to spread along the nerves in the salivary gland to other areas of the skull base or brain.
Radiation therapy usually begins about 4-6 weeks after surgery with a dose every Monday through Friday for about 6 weeks.
If the location or extent of the tumor make surgery impossible, then a radiation-based approach can be used (but is not as effective).
If the tumor has spread to other areas of the skull base or brain, drug therapies like chemotherapies or targeted biologic therapies are recommended. There are ongoing research efforts to determine which drug therapies are most effective at eliminating the disease.
For patients with larger tumors, the treatment recommended is endoscopic endonasal surgery with the preservation of vital structures, followed by radiation. We use treatment strategies that preserve quality of life.
close Surgery
Radiation therapy is commonly recommended after surgery, because tumor cells are known to spread along the nerves in the salivary gland to other areas of the skull base or brain.
Radiation therapy usually begins about 4-6 weeks after surgery with a dose every Monday through Friday for about 6 weeks.
If the location or extent of the tumor make surgery impossible, then a radiation-based approach can be used (but is not as effective).
close Radiation Therapy
If the tumor has spread to other areas of the skull base or brain, drug therapies like chemotherapies or targeted biologic therapies are recommended. There are ongoing research efforts to determine which drug therapies are most effective at eliminating the disease.
close Drug Therapy
Clinical Trials for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Clinical trials evaluate new approaches, devices, or medications in the treatment of adenoid cystic carcinomas. Ask your doctor or clinical trials coordinator about available trials that may be additional options for your care.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Maria Coburn at 650-736-9551.
What are Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas?
Our Clinics
To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-497-7777