CASE 131 Published on 18.08.1999

Base of the tongue tumor

Section

Head & neck imaging

Case Type

Clinical Cases

Authors

R Sigal, P Marandas

Patient

55 years, male

Categories
No Area of Interest ; Imaging Technique MR
Clinical History
Dysphagia and oral pain
Imaging Findings
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
Discussion
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.
Differential Diagnosis List
Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue
Final Diagnosis
Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue
Case information
URL: https://eurorad.org/case/131
DOI: 10.1594/EURORAD/CASE.131
ISSN: 1563-4086