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Extensive Muscular and Subcutaneous Metastases in Moderately Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This report details a unique case of extensive muscular and subcutaneous metastasis in the setting of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, diagnosed in a 70-year-old male. The patient presented with a painless ulceration of the tongue, non-specific swelling of both soft tissue on the scalp, chin and upper left arm, as well as unintentional and continued weight loss. While metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue will usually follow the classic pattern of metastasizing to the lungs, liver and bones, this case presented with broad soft tissue involvement of the scalp, skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue. Imaging showed multiple lytic osseous metastases and extensive soft tissue deposits. The patient underwent hemiglossectomy followed by chemotherapy. This case underlines the importance of proper imaging and multidisciplinary management in advanced tongue cancer - accentuating the atypical pattern of metastatic spread and its implications for diagnosis, staging and treatment.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.87825

Authors: Quang Dai La, Aiman Baloch, Muhammad Ayub, Francis Pryor, Sobia Ahmed

Institutions: Texas A&M University, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4412372537