Abstract
More than 95% of cases of cancer of the oropharynx including the tongue base are squamous cell carcinomas; adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tongue base is rarely observed. Resection of the tongue base can cause dysphagia or articulation disorder after surgery. We report a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tongue base treated by resection with reconstruction using a set-back tongue flap.
A 72-year-old female complaining of an unusual sensation of the tongue underwent a close examination. Pathological examination showed pleomorphic adenoma of the left tongue base, but diagnostic imaging could not exclude the possibility of a malignant tumor. We therefore performed surgery, and when the tumor was found to be malignant, we considered using a set-back tongue flap for reconstruction. Intraoperative pathological diagnosis demonstrated adenoid cystic carcinoma. After additional resection, reconstruction was performed using a set-back tongue flap. Postoperative dysphagia and articulation disorder were mild, and this technique was useful for maintaining the QOL in this case.
