Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue Dorsum: Incidence and Treatment Considerations

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue is the most common oral cancer. Most cases occur on the lateral border of the tongue and only very rarely on the dorsum. We retrospectively investigated the incidence of SCC of the tongue dorsum in our department between April 2006 and March 2015. Of the 368 patients with tongue cancer, only 3 had SCC of the tongue dorsum (incidence, 0.8 %). All patients with advanced cancer of the tongue dorsum underwent superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy for organ preservation. We discuss the present findings in relation to past case reports and series in the English language literature as well as discuss treatments for SCC of the tongue dorsum.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

“…Mechanical trauma to tongue epithelium, accumulation of microbial biofilm, and the habit of consecutive smoking increases the risk of malignancy in the tongue. 2,15,16 Our patient did not have any etiological factors such as premalignant lesion, smoking, or alcohol. In addition, the patient's complaint had started on the dorso-lateral tongue.…”

“…The dorsum of the tongue is rare. 2,[13][14][15][16] In recent years, the term "oral potential malignant diseases" has been used. This group was defined as "malignant risk diseases".…”

“…In oral premalignant lesions, SCC develops mostly in the elderly and 56% of the tongue tip and lateral tongue. 2,[13][14][15][16] Leukoplakia is the most common oral premalignant disease.The most common subtype of leukoplakia is homogeneous leukoplakia. Heterogeneous leukoplakia has a higher risk of malignancy.…”

“…Premalignant transformation of lichen planus in the tongue is higher than the risk of premalignant transformation in lichen planus located anywhere in the mouth. 2,[13][14][15][16] The most common lesion is the ulcer or ulcerated exophytic mass. In all these cases, you should not hesitate to take a biopsy and the sample should be taken in sufficient quantity.…”

Squamous cell carcinoma of the dorsal tongue

“…Squamous cell carcinoma of the dorsal tongue, a less common presentation, has reportedly occurred from long-standing oral lichen planus, considered a precancerous condition. 2,3 In our case, we presumed that the lesion had long been in a precancerous state. The differential diagnosis of this tumour includes granular cell tumour, medial rhomboid glossitis, amyloidosis and oral lichen planus.…”