What type of glands are primarily involved in adenoid cystic carcinoma?

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a type of cancer that primarily arises from glandular tissues. It is most commonly associated with the minor salivary glands, which are distributed throughout the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. These glands secrete saliva, and when malignancies develop in them, they often lead to adenoid cystic carcinoma.

The unique histological features of this cancer often include a cribriform pattern, which aligns with the characteristics of minor salivary gland tissues. While major salivary glands may also be involved in other types of salivary gland tumors, the hallmark of adenoid cystic carcinoma is its frequent occurrence in the minor glands.

Other glands listed, such as sweat glands or thyroid glands, are not typically associated with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Therefore, the focus on minor salivary glands underscores the pathology of this specific type of carcinoma and its clinical context.