Cancerwise

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare cancer of the secretory glands, which are glandular tissues that make and release substances such as saliva, tears and sweat. It can develop throughout your body, but it is most common in the salivary glands in your head and neck.

Here, I’ll share more about adenoid cystic carcinoma, including symptoms, prognosis and the research we’re doing to advance treatment.

When I had an earache for a couple of weeks in August 2007 and couldn’t sleep on my right side for very long, I went to my primary care doctor. She told me I had an ear infection. I was given antibiotics and sent home. After a few weeks, I noticed a knot in my cheek, and it got even harder to sleep.

I thought something else was wrong.

My salivary cancer diagnosis

I was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a type...