Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Younger Adult Female with a History of Breast Cancer: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common presentation of oral cancer (OC). Risk factor traditionally associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption affecting both sexes starting in four decades. Current case report highlights the associated risk factors from this patient and among younger age population. A 39 years old women with history of 3 years breast cancer (BC) had underwent surgery and chemotherapy, came to Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic with pain while swallowing for 2 weeks. Examination shows redness on her right pharyngeal arch and right side of the tongue. During follow up, she presented with persisted swollen tongue. We suspected a tongue mass with inflammation of right palatine tonsil and a differential diagnosis of neoplasm was held. Apart from imaging modalities (endoscopy and head computed tomography scan), biopsy revealed a well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma without lymphovascular invasion, thus was referred to ENT subspecialist for further multidisciplinary treatment approach. To our knowledge, this is the first case of TSCC in patient with history of BC, in younger age population, and no family history. While the reported cases of TSCC in young adult are increasing, however previous studies demonstrated contradictive risk factors. Regardless the possibility of the case in younger adult population, the pathogenesis knowledge in TSCC is sparse. We proposed that our patient was most likely to develop oral SCC by chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression and carcinogenesis, as well as poor oral hygiene status of our patient.