Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Lymphangioma of the Tongue

Abstract

Lymphangioma of the tongue is a rare, benign malformation of the lymphatic channels. The clinical course is characterized by multiple recurrences after local excision. A review of the literature revealed no prior association of a head and neck lymphangioma with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with a history of a tongue base lymphangioma who developed a base of tongue SCC. Further confounding the pathophysiologic scenario was a history of nasopharyngeal irradiation for adenoid hypertrophy.