Malignant pleural effusion, an unusual presentation of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma: a case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare tumour exhibiting dual population of myoepithelial and ductal cells, that represents 5–10% salivary gland tumours 1% all head neck malignancies.1 It characterised by protracted clinical course with late metastasis poor long-term prognosis.1 Its most common site haematogenous the lung, followed liver bone.1 Despite relatively pulmonary pleural involvement metastatic adenoid carcinoma, exfoliated in fluid rare.1 We report case 38-year-old female who presented respiratory symptoms on background floor mouth, previously treated surgical excision radiotherapy. Imaging studies showed multiple moderately avid lesions, bilateral thickening effusions, epicardial lymph nodes. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery carcinomatosis effusion. Cytologic evaluation was morphologically immunophenotypically consistent carcinoma. The patient referred to medical oncology for consideration systemic therapy. Reference 1. Arshad A. Malignant effusion, an unusual presentation carcinoma: review literature. North Am J Med Sci 2017; 10: 9–13.