Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm derived from the salivary glands and can occur in a variety of other sites. It is characterized by slow growth and high rate of local recurrence. Metastatic spread is usually a long-term complication [1]. Primary ACC of the cervix is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cervical carcinomas [1]. The first case was described in 1949 by Paalman [2]. To our knowledge, only 160 cases have been reported up to 2008. Because of the rarity of the disease, no standard treatment has yet been proposed. We report a case of primary ACC of the cervix and we discuss briefly the clinical and therapeutic features of the disease.

We report a case of locally advanced ACC of the cervix a rare malignancy in general. Primary ACC of the cervix accounts for less than 1% of all cervical carcinomas [1]. The origin of this disease is still unknown. Although, Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is believed to be a necessary cause of cervical cancer, its role in the pathogenesis of ACC is not well defined [3]. There are some controversies concerning the epidemiological features of this tumor. Our patient was post-menopausal, Caucasian and multiparous woman. ACC of cervix was considered as the disease of the postmenopausal women [4], but more recent data reported some cases in young woman [5]-[8]. Although, some authors suggested the association between ACC, high parity and black race [4, 9], Dixit supported the absence of the observed relationship [10].

Clinical and radiological characteristics of primary ACC of the cervix were similar to those of a squamous cell cancer. The main symptom of disease was the vaginal bleeding [10]. In the review reported by Dix et al, the most majority of patients were diagnosed at early stages, while only 10 cases were diagnosed at stage IIIB and 4 at stage IV [10].

ACC of the cervix seems to be more aggressive than squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, with higher tendency to local and metastatic recurrence even if diagnosed in their earliest stages [1, 17]. Five years and ten years survival were 37% and 40% respectively [18]. These tumours spread most frequently to the lung, lymph nodes, abdominal cavity and brain [10]. The prognostic factors identified were: large tumour diameter, deep stromal invasion, and presence of tumor cells within a lymphatic space or capillary/ blood [19]. Consequently, the authors support the use of multimodality therapy including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for achieving long term remission [10].

In the absence of prospective study, optimal management for ACC of the cervix cannot be established for certain. From the literature, it appears that combined treatment is necessary for achieving cure. Radical surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy appears to be a logical option. Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy should also be considered for locally advanced disease.

A fully informed written consent was obtained from the patient family for the publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.