2012 Volume 58 Issue 3 Pages 123-127
Essential thrombocythemia （ET） is a rare chronic myeloproliferative tumor characterized by an increase in platelets, thrombosis, and a bleeding tendency. Special attention is reguired in cases treated by surgical intervention. We describe the resection of tongue cancer in a patient with ET. A 79-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of discomfort in the left margin of the tongue. Initial examination revealed an 18 × 11 mm indulated mass arising at the left tongue margin. The clinical diagnosis was suspected tongue cancer. ET had been diagnosed at 66 years of age, and hydroxycarbamide was administered. The preoperative platelet count was 73.4 × 104/μl. Preoperatively, we continued to administer hydroxycarbamide after consulting with the attending physician. We performed an excisional biopsy. The operation was completed without any major problems. Half a day after the operation, diapedetic bleeding occurred. We therefore performed local hemostatic treatment with resuturing. The platelet count increased to 103.5 × 104/μl by the next day. To prevent thrombosis and bleeding, we administered the alkylating agent ranimusstin. Three days later, the platelet count decreased to 63.4 × 104/μl. The postoperative course has been uneventful without bleeding or an increased platelet count. There has been no tumor recurrence for more than 7 years.
