Dear all,

I had surgery for submandibular gland cancer at 2010, result found adenoid cystic carcinoma. Now, I was diagnosed with mets to the pelvic area close to sacral foramen. Beside neing very scared, I wish to ask anyone who had similar experience what is the best option for treatment? It seems that I will be only radiated. Is there surgery or chemo option available? Please share some nice stories to make me feel better.

Thank you so much

Natasa, I can only offer support and good thoughts. Someone will weigh in with more specifics. You're part of our family now.

They can radiate the bone (pelvic area... I doubt surgery is an option as it is likely IN THE BONE as well. I would ask about chemo as well because it is systemic and will hopefully get any stray cancer cells.

Have you had a scan?
is it in the bone or soft tissue?


best of luck.

I'm sure someone else will come along with more info.

Thank you so much for kind words. Here is the english translation of CT report if it may help

Illness history:
Woman, born in 1972. On 2010 underwent surgery for submandibular gland cancer, result found adenoid cystic carcinoma. Had post operative local (head/neck) radiotherapy.

January 2013 experienced pain in pelvic area, went to CT scan resulting in:

Topic: MSCT examination of the pelvic area with injection of contrast

Axial slices were taken of 0.5mm thickness with reformation in all three planes and 3D pre- and post-contrast.

There are signs of infiltration of the wing of the sacrum on the left side in S1 level next to the sacral foramen. This lityc change has dimensions of 3.6 x 2.4 x 2.7cm and is not well defined, attenuation around 80HU with significant postcontrast reinforcement. There is a clear break of cortical of sacrum wing anterior and of the sacral foramen on the left, without root compression S1 left, nor any affection of the left hypogastric artery.

Smaller organic changes of the similar character exist in the body of iliac bone on the left side next to left SI joint up to 1.5cm in diameter.

The finding can correspond to polytop secondary deposits in bones of pelvic belt.

Diagnosis: DG1: Polytop lytic infiltration of pelvic bone.

Prim.Dr.Slobodan Cirkovic, radiologists - examiner



We need advice and possibly consultation with experienced doctor and proposal about possible treatment options.

Thank you very much

This situation is something a very limited number OCF members have experienced. I would suggest seeing the top cancer doctors in your area. If you havent already gotten a second opinion, it sure couldnt hurt at all.

When cancer has invaded the bones, surgery could be an option before doing radiation with or without chemo. I had cancer in my jaw bone which was surgically removed in 2007. This is much different than your situation. Im sorry but I dont know about cancer that has invaded the pelvic bones.

Best wishes with everything!!!

Did the doctor ordering the test review the scan with you, explain in laymen's term, and say what is the next course of action is? Like all, I'm not familiar with this, and looked at the diagnosis on the mentioned CT report, DG1: Polytop Lytic Infiltration of Pelvic Bone, and wished I knew more about it.

Good luck with everything, I hope you find answers soon, and as mentioned, you can get a 2nd opinion, if you can.

They just told us radiation is the way to go. We will ask for more details for sure and post update here.

Thank you very much

Hi there... it sounds as thought it is in the bone this being the case radiotherapy is the option. Drs can operate and remove bones but that's dependent on the area, and importance of the bone, and whether they can rebuild the area with something else. you need your pelvis and sacrum - perhaps there is someone doing cutting edge surgery who can rebuild these areas - it can't hurt to look into it. That said. I would also push for chemo if they choose to give you radiation. However, what Christine said is true. I know you are in Europe so my help in this regards is limited as I am not sure about your health care system, finances, or drs. But I do know you need to look for a top notch dr. at the best facility possible.

Take care and let us know how things go.