A case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurred in tongue cancer patient following preoperative chemotherapy.

Abstract

Herpes zoster is a viral infection that is caused by the reactivation of the Varicella-zoster virus（VZV）which lies dormant in the sensory ganglia. After oral anticancer agent was prescribed in the elderly tongue cancer patient accompanied with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurred. Since the mental stress to malignant tumor treatment was also added, it was thought that the result of immunosuppressed state was VZV reactivation. Early intervention with antiviral drug could lead to planned operation under general anesthesia and prevention of post herpetic neuralgia.

In immunosuppressed patients when they received preoperative chemotherapy, we should take care of disturbing subsequent treatment due to the herpes zoster.