Korean J Pathol.  2010 Aug;44(4):441-443.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Palatine Tonsil: A Brief Case Report

• Kim HS
• Choi KH

Abstract

Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, low-grade malignancy of the salivary glands. Most cases occur in the major salivary glands, especially the parotid gland, with only a few cases involving the minor salivary gland previously described. A 67-year-old male patient was admitted complaining of an obstructive feeling in the throat. On examination, a lobulated mass in the tonsillar surface was noticed. Tonsillectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed sheets of large, polygonal acinar cells with granular, slightly basophilic cytoplasm, which led to the diagnosis of ACC. Here, we present a case of low-grade ACC of the palatine tonsil, which we believe to be the first reported case of ACC in this location.

Keyword

Carcinoma, acinar cell; Palatine tonsil; Salivary glands, minor; Tonsillectomy; Secretory vesicles

MeSH Terms

Acinar Cells
Aged
Anesthesia, General
Basophils
Carcinoma, Acinar Cell
Cytoplasm
Humans
Male
Palatine Tonsil
Parotid Gland
Pharynx
Salivary Glands
Salivary Glands, Minor
Secretory Vesicles
Tonsillectomy