Tongue squamous cell carcinoma metastasis to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site: A case report of an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes are often placed in patients with head and neck malignancy for long-term nutritional support. Though rare, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize to the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube site and may initially present as a developing mass or as bleeding at the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site. Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma should be evaluated diligently before and after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in order to avoid this rare but life-threatening complication. We present a case of tongue squamous cell carcinoma that metastasized to the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube site causing gastrointestinal bleeding.