Case Report
Head and Neck Oncology
Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the base of tongue

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Abstract

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma is a rare, low-grade neoplasm of the minor salivary glands. It is composed exclusively of epithelial cells with optically clear cytoplasm. There are only a few isolated cases reported in the literature involving the base of tongue. The treatment of choice is wide excision and selective neck dissection, with or without radiotherapy. The prognosis of these tumours is good. A 57-year-old male patient presented with a lesion in the base of tongue, which was well enhanced on contrast computerized tomography scan. Once confirmed by biopsy, the hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma was resected via a transcervical approach. The patient underwent postoperative radiotherapy. There was no evidence of locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis at 18 months of follow up.

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Case report

A 57-year-old male presented with a history of foreign body sensation in the throat for 1 month. There was no history of smoking or intake of alcohol. On examination by indirect laryngoscopy, a 3 cm × 3 cm smooth submucosal mass was seen towards the left side of the base of tongue, extending to the tonsillolingual sulcus and vallecula (Fig. 1). On palpation, the mass was firm, not tender and did not bleed. The tongue movement was normal. There was no palpable cervical lymphadenopathy.

The

Discussion

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a distinct clinico-pathological entity. Microscopically, it is composed exclusively of a monomorphic population of undifferentiated cells with optically clear cytoplasm11. It is a rare entity accounting for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumours6. They arise from the minor salivary glands within the oral cavity and are commonly located in the palate, lips and buccal mucosa5, 7. Base of tongue1, hypopharynx4, larynx4, nasal cavity8 and jaw bones2

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