Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue: a hitherto unrecognized type of adenocarcinoma characteristically occurring in the tongue

Abstract

We describe a distinctive type of adenocarcinoma of the tongue, for which we propose the name cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue (CAT). CAT usually presents with metastases in the neck lymph nodes at the time of presentation. We hypothesize that the tumour might arise from the thyroglossal duct anlage.

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Oropharynx

“…Cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands (CAMSG) is a salivary gland carcinoma that often arises in the tongue and especially the tongue base [33,34]. CAMSG is similar and yet subtly different form PLGA.…”

Salivary Gland Tumor “Wishes” to Add to the Next WHO Tumor Classification: Sclerosing Polycystic Adenosis, Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma, Cribriform Adenocarcinoma of the Tongue and Other Sites, and Mucinous Variant of Myoepithelioma

“…It was first described in 1999 as a unique tumor [15], although there are two earlier case reports of ''tubular adenocarcinoma'' of the tongue [16] and of ''papillary adenocarcinoma'' of the tongue [17] that are likely this entity. Since this initial report there has been one additional case report [18] and the largest series of these lesions to date (23 cases), was recently published [19].…”

“…However, the series by Skálová et al indicates that they arise in other minor salivary gland sites, including the palate, retromolar triangle area, tonsils and upper lip. Initially they were thought to arise from a thyroglossal duct anlage [15], but currently are believed to arise from the minor salivary glands. Clinically, CATS is an infiltrative, poorly circumscribed tumor generally presenting as a submucosal mass, which infiltrates skeletal muscles and adjacent tissues, although a pedunculated lesion at the tongue base has been described [18].…”

Cribriform Adenocarcinoma of the Tongue and Minor Salivary Glands: A Review

“…Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary glands (CATMSG) is the tumor originally described in 1999 by Michal et al [1] under the name cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue. In the original series, all 8 neoplasms were located in the tongue and their morphology was similar to papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland resulting in a presumption that cribriform adenocarcinoma may have an origin in the lingual thyroglossal duct anlage [1].…”

“…In the original series, all 8 neoplasms were located in the tongue and their morphology was similar to papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland resulting in a presumption that cribriform adenocarcinoma may have an origin in the lingual thyroglossal duct anlage [1]. Prior to that publication, one of the authors (M.M) had been aware of the existence of this interesting neoplasm since the late 1980s when he received three cases over a short span of time.…”