A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sublingual gland

• Published in: jibi to rinsho Vol. 43; no. 3; pp. 310 - 313
• Main Authors: NAGAYAMA, Ikuo, KITA, Keiko, TAKESHITA, Hajime, SHIGA, Hideaki, FURUKAWA, Mitsuru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: JIBI TO RINSHO KAI 20.05.1997
• ISSN: 0447-7227; 2185-1034
• DOI: 10.11334/jibi1954.43.3_310

Tumors of the sublingual gland are uncommon but known to be malignant once they occur. We herein report a 53-year-old male patient who presented with a tumor in the sublingual region which was diagnosed to be adenoid cystic carcinoma. His chief complaint was tongue pain, accompanied with some discomfort of the tongue, a lump sensation and dysarthria The right half of the tongue showed atrophy of the tongue muscle and fasciculation. A tumor was detected in the sublingual region of the right half of the tongue measuring 3 cm in diameter and demonstrating tenderness on palpation. MRI showed T2 enhanced opacity and a Ga scan hot nodule. A specimen obtained just before the operation was diagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma. The tumor was resected via the transmandibular approach, combined with a supraomohyoid neck dissection, while the defect of the floor of the mouth was then reconstructed with a peroneal flap. Postoperative radiation was performed because of the stump invasion of the nerve. The post-operative evaluation of mastication and articulation was good. The patient was discharged from the hospital with no sign of recurrence after receiving the combined treatment regimen of surgery and radiation over a three-month period.