Multinodular adult rhabdomyoma in the base of the tongue excised conservatively using submental midline approach with hyoid bone split: A case report

Abstract

Background: Adult rhabdomyoma (ARh) is a rare benign tumor of skeletal muscle origin. ARh occurs mainly in the head and neck region. This report details the surgical excision of a large multinodular ARh in the base of the tongue that was causing severe sleep apnea. Findings:Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the base of the tongue was almost completely replaced by a 6 cm × 8 cm tumor.Methods: Conservative surgical excision was done by submental midline approach with hyoid bone split.Results: Surgery improved the patient's sleep apnea without damaging the swallowing function. The patient was able to secede from nasal continuous positive airway pressure and has remained symptom-free for 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions:This newly designed approach is suitable for excision of benign tumors in the base of the tongue to obtain a patent airway without damaging the function of the tongue base.