Intracranial Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Cavernous Sinus with Unknown Primary Origin: Case Report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are neoplasms typically arising from salivary glands in the head and neck and are rarely found intracranially as a result of metastatic spread. An intracranial presentation of ACC without an identifiable primary origin has rarely been reported in the literature. A literature review of cases with similar diagnoses and a discussion of several theories regarding potential etiologies of this tumor was performed. This case report describes the presentation of a patient in his early 40's with an ACC in the posterior fossa, involving the trigeminal, abducens, and facial nerve, without a primary source identified on PET. Literature review illustrates the rare finding of an intracranial ACC and its treatment. Theories about the etiology of intracranial ACC without a primary source are proposed but further studies are needed to explain our finding.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 February 2021