*4.1.2 Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADCC)*

It constitutes nearly 10% of all SG tumours. Some studies suggest it to be the most common malignancy in minor salivary gland with hard palate being the most common site [22–24].

**Key cytological features –** Smears are cellular and cells are seen in clusters showing overlapping and multilayering. Tumour cells are also seen arranged in cup-shaped fragments and also scattered singly (**Figure 6**). The cells are basaloid with scant cytoplasm, round to ovoid hyperchromatic nuclei with coarse nuclear chromatin and nucleoli. The metachromatic matrix is in form of acellular beaded, finger like fragments, branching tubules and also forms hyaline spherical globules with well-defined borders (**Figure 2b**).
