Imaging Findings of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus

Objective To analyze imaging findings of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, and to evaluate their imaging signs in the clinical practice.Materials and Methods Imaging findings in 25 pathologically proved cases were reviewed. Imaging materials included plain CT scan (n=5), enhanced CT scan (n=3), both plain and enhanced CT scan (n=15), and both plain and enhanced MRI (n=3).Results Five tumors originated from nasal cavity, 14 from maxillary sinus, 2 from ethmoid sinus, 1 from sphenoid sinus, 1 from nasal cavity and maxillary, and 2 from nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus. A lot of adjacent organs and structures were invaded.Conclusion In most cases of ACC of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, the tumors present as round or oval masses with different sized low density cystic areas inside. Expanded paranasal sinus and extensive bony destruction are also seen.