title: Systemic lupus erythematosus, pregnancy and carcinoma of the tongue.
abstract: We present a case which describes a 29-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who was treated aggressively with cytotoxic immunosuppression. Five years later and approximately 12 weeks pregnant, she is confirmed as having carcinoma of the tongue. Not wishing to consider termination of her pregnancy, she underwent surgical resection, which included partial glossectomy with microvascular reconstruction. Good oral function (speech and swallowing) was restored within 2 weeks. The pregnancy proceeded relatively uneventfully to 37 weeks gestation when proteinuric hypertension necessitated induction of labour. She remains well with no evidence of recurrence. This case highlights the options available in the treatment of carcinoma of the tongue during pregnancy together with the ethical considerations required, balanced against optimising maternal outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK. jeffreyunsworth7@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Jeffrey David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Unsworth
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Byrd
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents