Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2018 Sep;61(9):489-491. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2017.00017.

Lingual Metastasis to the Tip of the Tongue as the First Sign of Metastatic Spread in Lung Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

• Lee SY
• Kim MK
• Won CS

• KMID: 2436538
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2017.00017

Abstract

Lingual metastasis is defined as the metastasis of malignant tumors to the tongue from another primary organ cancer. Primary lung cancer which had metastasized to the tongue was reported in 0.2-1.6% of these cases. The base of the tongue is the most frequent site of lingual metastasis due to its rich vascular supply and relative lack of mobility compared with other areas of the tongue. The aim of this article is to report a benign appearing lingual metastasis to the tip of the tongue as the first sign of metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Clinical presentation of lingual metastasis resembled a hyperplastic or reactive lesion, such as a pyogenic granuloma or submucosal mass. In cases where there was a single metastatic focus, a surgical excision was recommended as a palliative measure for pain control, the prevention of infection or bleeding, and the maintenance of an acceptable oral function.

Keyword

Lingual metastasis; Lung cancer; Tongue

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Granuloma, Pyogenic
Hemorrhage
Lung Neoplasms*
Lung*
Neoplasm Metastasis*
Tongue*