DX: Tongue Epidermoid Carcinoma

This was obviously a very graphic invasive tumor. It extends to ipsilateral upper maxilla, erodes body of mandible and compress oropharynx giving the patient dyspnea and dysphagia. It has inner liquid densities so abcsess could not be discharched although image characteristics are variable. The relevant findings are described below:

Biopsy revealed:  Epidermoid Carcinoma of the base of the tongue.

The epidermoid or squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity; males are more commonly affected, its mayor incidence being after the fourth decade. It presents in various forms: an ulcerated lesion, sometimes covered with a bloody scab; or a vegetative or wart-like growth which may reach a great size and may ulcerate and bleed or suffer partial necrosis, thus modifying its aspect. Upon palpation, this lesion usually has everted borders and indurated, infiltrated base. 

They are of variable size, from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. Initially they cause no pain, so the patient rarely seeks professional help. The risk factors and potentially malignant lesions are determining factors in the development of oral cancer.

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