Abstract

Background: Although squamous cell carcinoma accounts for >90% of all oropharyngeal neoplasms, other rare neoplasms have been reported. Here, we present a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lingual tonsil.

Methods and results: A 66-year-old male presented with a right neck mass and right base of tongue fullness. Fine needle aspiration of the neck mass and surgical biopsy of the base of tongue lesion revealed a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, ultimately staged as a T4N2aM0 neoplasm. Our multi-disciplinary tumor board recommended a right mandibulotomy, partial glossectomy, radical tonsillectomy, lateral pharyngeal wall resection, selective neck dissection levels II-IV, and reconstruction with an anterior lateral thigh flap followed by adjuvant radiation.

Conclusion: Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary gland neoplasm; however, mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising from minor salivary rests within the lingual tonsils is exceedingly rare, presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.

Keywords: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, tongue base, lingual tonsil, oropharyngeal cancer, metastatic carcinoma