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Dysphagia due to adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2012 Jun;121(6):402-6

Date

06/29/2012

Pubmed ID

22737963

Pubmed Central ID

PMC3951153

DOI

10.1177/000348941212100607

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84862230426 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

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.

Author List

Hoekzema CR, Massey BL, Blumin JH, Hunt BC, Bock JM

Authors

Joel H. Blumin MD Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jonathan Bock MD Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Bryan C. Hunt MD Associate Professor in the Pathology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Becky Massey MD Associate Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic
Deglutition Disorders
Humans
Male
Tongue Neoplasms
Weight Loss