This tumor accounts for 6-8% of salivary gland neoplasm and is mostly found in the parotid gland. The tumor can have various histological patterns; solid, follicular, microcystic, or papillary cystic. Solid microcystic (seen above) is the most common histological pattern. The tumor consists of a variety of cell types; acinar, ductal, clear or vacuolated, and non-specific glandular cells.A prominent lymphoid infiltrate may also be present(seen above).
Acinic Cell Carcinoma
On higher magnification, the acinar cells are large with eccentric nuclei and contain basophilic zymogen granules and a reactive lymphoid infiltrate known as tumor-associated lymphoid proliferation.