Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma in the base of the tongue: a case report

Abstract

Objectives: To report a rare case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) of a minor salivary gland originating in the base of the tongue, which is a highly unusual location.

Study design: This is a case report and a review of literature.

Methods: A 76-year-old man was referred to our outpatient clinic with a 6-month history of a sensation of a foreign body in the pharynx. Endoscopic examination revealed a tumorous lesion 40 x 20 mm in the base of the tongue on the left side. A biopsy was performed, and the lesion was histologically identified as squamous cell carcinoma.

Results: The patient underwent subtotal glossectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and reconstruction with a microvascularized rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The final diagnosis based on the histological and immunohistochemical findings was EMC. Because neither histological evidence of residual tumor in the surgical margin nor neck metastases were found, radiotherapy was not performed. No local recurrence or distant metastases have been found 19 months post-surgery.

Conclusion: We believe this report is the first description of EMC originating in the base of the tongue. We conclude that a wide surgical excision with a clear margin and close, prolonged follow-up are recommended for the treatment of EMC.