Serial suture ligation glossectomy for squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of a massive lymphovascular malformation.
BACKGROUND
We describe a novel surgical technique for resection of squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of a massive tongue lymphovascular malformation (LVM).


RESULTS
A 75-year-old man with a history of long-standing massive LVM of the tongue presented with a 4-cm squamous cell carcinoma of the involved oral tongue. Given the aberrant vascular anatomy of this lesion, traditional surgical treatment could not be undertaken. Therefore, serial suture ligation was performed over a 2-week period, allowing complete excision of the squamous cell carcinoma and a large portion of the tongue LVM with minimal morbidity. Return to preoperative functional status was likewise achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Serial suture ligation glossectomy is a simple and effective technique for treating the uncommon case of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in the setting of a massive LVM.
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Wade
W
Chien
Harrison W
HW
Lin
Daniel G
DG
Deschler
D000368:Aged; D005927:Glossectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D044148:Lymphatic Abnormalities / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D054079:Vascular Malformations / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*