A Case of Undetermined Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma With Airway Stenosis Treated With Palliative X-Ray Radiotherapy Leading to Significant Improvement in Patient’s General Condition

Primary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the upper anterior mediastinum is rarely encountered in clinical practice, and no standard treatment has been established. We performed palliative radiotherapy to improve airway narrowing in a patient with primary ACC of the mediastinum who presented with respiratory distress as their main complaint. As a result of radiotherapy, the ACC was reduced in size, the narrowed airway was opened due to compression by the ACC, and the patient's general condition improved. We present the results of this case with a review of the relevant literature.