Microsurgical Management of Early Onset Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Oral Tongue: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Objectives: Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare subset of soft tissue sarcomas, typically presenting in subjects 15 to 35 years of age. Usual presentation sites are the trunk, extremities, and the head and neck. Subjects younger than 5 years are rarely affected. Methods: In this retrospective case report, we present a 16-month old male with a rapidly growing soft tissue mass of the anterior and posterior tongue, found to be alveolar soft part sarcoma. Results: The subject was treated with primary surgical resection and the resulting defect was reconstructed with a radial forearm free flap. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the youngest subject to have been diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma. Surgical extirpation and microvascular reconstruction were successful, and the patient remains disease free 4 years post-operatively.