Abstract
We report a case of clear cell carcinoma identified in the hard palate of the mouth.
A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a painless mass in his right palate. The mass beneath the mucous membrane measured 20×15mm, and had an ulcer at the center of the mass. Based on biopsy findings, a pathological diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma was made. No metastasis to the cervical node was observed. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent partial maxillectomy and the defect was reconstructed with a buccal fat pad. After surgery, we found a naso-oral fistula at the central part of the hard palate of the mouth. The fistula was difficult to cover with upper dentures, and as a result, the patient experienced hyperrhinolalia and could not drink water. Two years after surgery, we closed the fistula using a tongue flap. His hyperrhinolalia improved, and he could drink water. As of 60 months after removal of the clear cell carcinoma, the patient remains free from disease and maintains oral function.
