Figure 1
Dysphagia and oral pain
Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue
A 55 old patient with ancient exposure to alcohol and tobacco presented with dysphagia and oral pain. Examination disclosed a tumor developing in the base of the tongue. The histological diagnosis was made by biopsy. MR imaging was requested to help selecting treatment planning. The patient was treated by external irradiation
The base of the tongue belongs to the oropharynx. The majority of the tumors arise from the mucosa and are squamous cell carcinoma. Imaging helps to define the exact extent of the lesion, and
plays an important role in therapeutic planning. Computed
Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging are the
imaging modalities of choice. MR is able to depict extension
along the genioglossus muscle. This muscle inserts onto the
superior genial tubercle and fans out in the entire
musculature of the tongue. This means that a tumor
originating from the tongue base may spread up to the
anterior floor of the mouth. In addition MR allows to check
if the right and left neurovascular lingual pedicles are
invaded or endangered by the tumor, a key element in the
therapeutic workup. Surgical removal of one pedicle implies
a hemiglossectomy.
References
[1]
Million RR, Cassisi NJ., Mancuso AA (1994)
Oral cavity. In: Management of head and neck cancer. A multidisciplinary approach.
2nd ed. Philadelphia, JB Lippincott Cie, p 321-400.
[2]
Sigal R, Zagdanski AM, Schwaab G, Bosq J, Auperin A, Laplanche A,
Francke JP, Eschwege F, Luboinski B, Vanel D (1996)
CT and MR imaging of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor
of the mouth.
Radiographics Jul;16(4):787-810. (PMID: 8835972)
[3]
Yousem DM, Chalian AA (1998)
Oral cavity and pharynx.
Radiol Clin North Am Sep;36(5):967-81. (PMID: 9747196)
Case information
| URL: | https://www.eurorad.org/case/131 |
| DOI: | 10.1594/EURORAD/CASE.131 |
| ISSN: | 1563-4086 |
Figure 2
Figure 2
