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(Accepted for publication 13 July 2005.) INTRODUCTIONTongue cancer is the most common intra-oral malignancy in Western countries. It accounts for between 20 to 50 per cent of all malignancies involving the oral cavity.1 More males than females are affected and the highest incidence occurs in the seventh decade of life.1,2 The vast majority of tongue malignancies, more than 95 per cent, are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).1,2 The lateral border and the base of the tongue are the most commonly involved sub-sites of the tongue. Indeed in some studies, the base of the tongue accounts for up to one-third of all SCC of tongue. 3 The aetiological agents that are considered most important with respect to SCC of the tongue include tobacco (smoking and chewing habits) and alcohol consumption. 1,2The incidence and mortality of the disease varies between different geographic areas. There has been a reported increased incidence of tongue SCC and associated mortality over recent decades in Europe and the United States. 2,4,5 Additionally, an increased incidence of SCC of the tongue in young adults has been reported from studies conducted in several countries.2-6 Approximately 5-10 per cent of cases of tongue cancer occur in younger patients, many of whom do not have the identified risk factors such as smoking and alcohol. 6 Debate continues in the literature regarding the aetiology, tumour biology and prognosis of tongue cancer in young patients.In spite of advances in cancer therapy, the worldwide trend in five-year survival rates of tongue SCC since the early 1970s has remained relatively constant,

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