Advanced Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Posterior-Lateral Border of the Tongue Invading the Floor of the Mouth.

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cancer of the oral cavity. It mainly affects patients aged over 50 with male-to-female ratio 2:1. Most of the cases of oral SCC are linked to tobacco and alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE

In this report, we present a case of a 67-year-old male with a mass on the posterior-lateral border of the tongue.

CASE REPORT: In this report, we present a case of a 67-yearold male with a mass on the posterior-lateral border of the tongue. Being heavy smoker and alcoholic since a young age, he was at high-risk of developing oral cancer. After thorough clinical, histopathological, and imaging assessments a poorly differentiated stage III (T3, N1, M0) SCC was confirmed. He underwent left hemiglossectomy with marginal mandibulectomy and radical neck dissection followed by radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

SCCs of the tongue can be often asymptomatic and identified at advanced phase leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, their early diagnosis/management, and regular postoperative follow-ups are mandatory for better treatment outcome and recurrence prevention.