Dysphagia due to adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue.

OBJECTIVES

Although oropharyngeal neoplasia can often lead to dysphagia, salivary gland tumors rarely grow within the tongue base. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue causing profound dysphagia and weight loss, and provide a current literature review and update on the management of these rare tumors.

METHODS

We present a case report and a literature review.

RESULTS

Physical examination performed at the initial visit revealed a firm right base-of-tongue mass with no palpable lymphadenopathy. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy confirmed a large submucosal mass at the right base of the tongue that obscured the right vallecula. Histopathologic analysis of the operative biopsy specimens revealed the classic features of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Treatment included radical pharyngotomy with wide local excision and primary closure, followed by postoperative radiation treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the clinical examination findings and histopathologic characteristics of this disease, and review the literature for clinical treatment recommendations for this rare cause of dysphagia.