Published online Apr 24, 2021. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i4.282
Peer-review started: January 7, 2021
First decision: February 15, 2021
Revised: February 19, 2021
Accepted: March 24, 2021
Article in press: March 24, 2021
Published online: April 24, 2021
Processing time: 102 Days and 23.7 Hours
Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer, commonly associated with locally advanced disease, early metastasis, and poor prognosis. Tongue metastasis from lung cancer is a rare condition that may occur in advanced stage of the disease.
The patient was a 70-year-old female with a history of resected pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) who presented with subacute tongue swelling, imparting the clinical impression of a lingual abscess. However, histologic examination of the partial glossectomy revealed a high-grade, poorly differentiated spindle and epithelioid carcinoma consistent with metastatic PSC.
Although uncommon, clinicians should be cognizant of the possibility of a metastatic process to the tongue mimicking a benign or inflammatory process. A high index of suspicion for metastatic disease should be maintained when tongue swelling is observed in patients with a known history of PSC.
Core Tip: Tongue metastasis from pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma is an uncommon phenomenon. A high index of suspicion for metastatic disease should be maintained in patients with a known history of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma when tongue swelling or radiologic image indicating a lesion in the tongue, especially near the tongue base, is observed, and appropriate investigations should be undertaken.